Munster runner-up placing for Castleisland in the 2018 Enterprise Town competition

THE Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards Ceremony took place at the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny, on Wednesday last.

Castleisland was one of the 80 towns involved in the competition, which was co-ordinated locally by the Castleisland Chamber Alliance.

Castleisland was awarded the runner-up place in Munster with a population of under 3,000.

For its regional runner-up placing – to Cashel, County Tipperary – Castleisland received a cash prize of €1,000 and a framed certificate.

The clubs and businesses in the area turned on the style – and it was style with substance – on the day in a show of the strength and unity which makes the community tick.

The judging panel of Deirdre Shine, Tom Hayes and Eddie Breen left with a very favourable impression of the town and its people.

The Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards recognises and rewards towns and villages where businesses and communities come together to showcase the spirit of enterprise in their local area. The overall winner, Letterkenny, received a cash prize of €33,000.

The judging started in August and continued until late October, 2018. The judges visited Castleisland at the start of October and were glowing in their praise of what they found here.

Photo by John Reidy The judges prepare to depart after their tour of inspection in Castleisland in October. Pictured were: Deirdre Shine and Eddie Breen, judges; Mark McElligott, Castleisland Chamber Alliance; Donal Barry, Editor Outlook Publications; Tom Hayes, judge; Jeremy Burke, PRO; and Patricia Walsh, Chairperson Castleisland Chamber Alliance.