BALLINASLOE ENTERPRISE TOWNS

A ‘Fantastic Friday’ and ‘Super Saturday’ was experienced in Ballinasloe last weekend as Margaret Barrett, Manager Bank of Ireland and her team led out Ballinasloe Enterprise Town weekend.
The Emerald Ballroom was packed to capacity for the two days.  Minister Denis Naughten, TD officially opened the event on Friday evening and special guest Gavin Duffy added huge energy to the room encouraging all of us to support our local businesses, entrepreneurs and each other.

Later that evening we had presentations of BizWorld certificates to students from Creagh National School, Gaelscoil Ui Cheithearnaigh and Scoil on Croi Naofa. This was followed by a super panel discussion with Seamus Quigley, Quigleys Garage Ahascargh, Jack Parsons O’Kale Krisps, Breda Fox Galway County Enterprise Board, Michael Earls Easyfix and Lorraine Lynch Sugru Therapy, chaired by Gavin who also found time to visit and take selfies with the 140 exhibitors present !

A stunning fashion show wrapped things up for the Friday evening – participating were Dubarry, Kidzkorner, UTAH, Kathleens Boutique and Michael Wards Menswear and Yourwardrobe.ie
Saturday morning saw some 150+ children take part in a mega-blitz with hurling, football, camogie and rugby teams enjoying the sport and sunshine. Plenty of activity indoors too with local musicians and dance troops taking to the stage.

On Saturday we also had the pleasure of hearing a top class Sports panel discussion which was chaired by Darren Frehill of RTE with some sporting greats including John Mullane, Therese Maher, Michael ‘Hopper’ McGrath, Niall Carty, Brett Wilkinson, Darren Kelly and Johnny O’Connor.
Special visits by The National Hurling League Cup, Sam Maguire Cup and Pro 12 Trophy created some great excitement.

Overall, it was an amazing weekend that won’t be forgotten by the community of Ballinasloe for a long time to come.
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