Bree is runner up in National Enterprise Town Awards
THERE was big success for Bree recently as it was announced that the village had been awarded second place in Leinster at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards.
The announcement was made at a lavish ceremony at Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny and the gang from Bree were delighted to take their certificate for second place.
Bridie Galavan, Betty Kelly and Claire Doyle from Bree Community Development Group were joined by representatives from Wexford County Council at the awards and collected the certificate along with a cheque for €1,000 to be used in the local community.
Chairperson Bridie Galavan described the award as a deserved recognition of the strength of community spirit and resilience in Bree.
‘ The people of Bree and surrounding areas have always shown tremendous energy and commitment in seeking to improve local facilities and create new opportunities for our local community,’ she said. ‘ These awards demonstrate in a very real way that with financial and mentoring support, communities all over Ireland can achieve incredible success.’
This year’s awards saw collaboration between business groups and communities from over 83 towns and urban vil- lages nationwide, with entries demonstrating exemplary entrepreneurial initiatives being undertaken to boost local economies.
At the award ceremony, a total of 40 awards were given with an overall prize fund of €157,000 allocated to encourage further innovation and entrepreneurship within winning towns.
Speaking at the awards JJ Keyes, Head of Co. Wexford at Bank of Ireland said: ‘Every year we are so impressed by the enterprising spirit and achievements of towns and villages nationwide, as people work together, to drive growth locally and build thriving communities.
On behalf of Bank of Ireland, I would like to congratulate Bree and local council representatives for their joint success at this year’s awards.’