Oughterard to showcase business and social prowess
Local businesses, schools, sports and social clubs will be showcased at an enterprise expo to be held in Oughterard at the end of the month.
The town was selected by Bank of Ireland for an ‘Enterprise Town’ initiative aimed at promoting and driving momentum for small and medium businesses locally.
The event will see around 50 local businesses across a wide spectrum taking part, as well as local arts groups, GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and angling clubs.
Its purpose is also to launch ‘Discover Oughterard’, a new website to promote the town.
The event will take place on Friday (3pm to 7pm) and Saturday (11am to 2pm), March 27 and 28, at Scoil Chuimin agus Caitríona National School in the town.
Among the guest speakers will be entrepreneur Padraig Ó Ceidigh; Mary Hoade, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council; Kevin Traynor, National Director of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland, as well as a government minister.
Local Bank of Ireland branch manager Liam Doyle told the Connacht Tribune: “The bank has been an active participant in this community for a very long time and we are working closely with businesses in the town to organise two key events to showcase what a great place it is to live and to do business, with a sports and community and a business expo over the weekend.
“On the Friday, there will be 50 local businesses showcasing. Oughterard is primarily tourism-based, so the likes of Cashel House, The Boat Inn, Breathnach’s bar and Glengowla Mines will be among the many there.
“Then there’ll be the likes of Living Gardens, the Greenway Café, Corrib French Polishing, as well as the Uachtar Arts group, and the local GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and angling clubs. Everyone with an interest in the town and its environs will be taking part.
“The new website, Discover Oughterard, will be launched and that allows for the networking of local businesses and the local community and attracting people to come to Oughterard, showcasing that it’s a place to come and stay and do business.
“The Friday will be about business, and the Saturday will be a sports and community expo, where we’ll be bringing as many clubs and societies together as possible to show what’s available,” said Mr Doyle.
Other exhibits will include a harp workshop, the local circus group Spraoi, a performance by the Uachtar Arts group and local line dancers and fly-makers for fishing.
“Where Bank of Ireland comes into it is to facilitate the town to promote itself and nurture it. If the town is successful, then it’s a success for the bank,” said Mr Doyle.
Local councillor and organising committee member Tom Welby said: “We’re very excited to be working on this initiative with Bank of Ireland and are confident that it will bring positive momentum to the town and also drive increased activity for local enterprises.”