Oscars night for the business community of Duhallow
THE ‘Oscars of Duhallow’ kicked off in style on the grounds of IRD Duhallow, as its chairperson, Anna Maria Bourke remarked that it was a very special night for the businesss community in the region. .
With a smile, she described- the awards night, t, which withis held The in Corkman,conjunction cn, as being the ‘Oscars of Duhallow.’
She complimented the he Group Editor Corkmanof The Kerryman/and ernd staff on the publication of a special supplement on the awards.
Ms Bourke got down wn to brass tacks and said aid that, despite the economicmic threats from US Presidentent elect Donald Trump, on top of austerity and cuts, uts, their region was “extremelymely lucky” to have Skillnets,ets, which provide training, upupskilling and continuous professional development.
She said Minister Creed’s attendance at the awards showed his commitment to rural development and to the region, and his interest in making a difference to the agriculture and business communities.
“Minister, we are depending on you and on all the public representatives to champion our cuase both at home in national Government and at European level,” she said.
However, she outlined that it was no secret that IRD Duhallow was both hurt and disappointed at being “so badly let down” in the current round of Leader and SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme).
She said to the finalists from the region she issued a hearty “well done.”
“You have made it here. I have no doubt you have benefited from the journey so far. It’s like the stations – we get the house in order. Added to that you have each really been put in the eye of the public as a company worthy of merit. To those of you, who narrowly miss a further award tonight, I do hope you will enter in the future,” she said.
She also thanked IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh and her hard-working staff of Eileen Linehan, Triona Murphy and Louise Bourke along with Orlaith Tomkins and her staff of the Duhallow Community Food Services, who provided an excellent meal for the guests on the night in the marquee.