Large crowds at Ballinrobe Enterprise event

ENTERPRISING Members of the Ballinrobe /Glencorrib Karate Club with Rose Dooley (Sensei) and Fiona Egan-Hession (Bank of Ireland) at the Enterprise Event. See more pictures in Notes, page 28. Pic: Trish Forde

Ciara Galvin

OVER 130 businesses gathered at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Friday last for Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise Town event.
Special guest, Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte commended the community on pulling together to create the unique event which gave both businesses and organisations the opportunity to network and show their wares and achievements.
Harte said a community coming together was the ‘epitome’ of team spirit and added that it was team spirit that helps a community ‘thrive and survive’.
The Tyrone man, who has led his county to three All-Irelands, spoke about the need to be a good listener and the importance about having a positive attitude towards life.
Large crowds attended the free event which included a sports discussion chaired by RTÉ’s Jonathan Mullin and was made up by Mayo footballer’s Keith Higgins, Donal Vaughan and double All Ireland winner Stephen Coen.
Local man Vaughan spoke about the family business Vaughan Shoes going online and how it has changed the dynamic of the business.
“There’s nothing you can’t sell online. Now our stores are open 24 hours. You’d be surprised what time people buy shoes at, sometimes 2am,” said Vaughan.
IFA president Joe Healy gave a detailed speech about the importance of shopping local, supporting local farmers and also the critical need for broadband in the west of Ireland.
Healy complimented John Flannelly and the staff at Ballinrobe Racecourse for the award winning facilities and took questions from the floor in relation to farm payments and the current climate of running a successful farm.
Crowds were treated to performances by The Alan Murphy Academy of Irish Dance, The Coleman School of Irish Dancing and Ballinrobe Folk Choir.
While exhibitors showed their wares a football blitz between local schools took place with St Joseph’s PS coming out as the overall winners.
Branch manager of Ballinrobe Bank of Ireland, Annette Canty thanked all the exhibitors for attending the event and assured them that her door was always open.