Further details of the Bank of Ireland’s ‘Expo’ initiative to support local businesses and the wider community have been launched. Guest appearances at the coming weekend’s big event at Castleisland Community Centre will include: Gavin Duffy, Entrepreneur on Dragon’s Den; Dr. Edmond P Harty, CEO of Dairymaster (Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012; Kerry GAA footballing legend Charlie Nelligan; Ex-Rugby International legend Mick Galwey; Siobhan Fleming, Ladies Rugby World Cup team 2014 and Kerry GAA football star Killian Young.
Exciting Programme
Bank of Ireland announced further details of an exciting programme of activity taking place in Castleisland on Friday, 13 and Saturday, 14 November 2015.
The ‘Enterprise Town’ initiative has been organised by the bank in partnership with the local community in Castleisland. The initiative aims to promote and drive business momentum for SMEs, the tourism sector, the wider sports and social community and schools in the area.
The activities taking place over the two days include a Business & Community Expo on Friday 13 November from 5pm to 9pm and a Sports and Community Expo on Saturday 14 November from 11am to 2pm; both are taking place in Castleisland Community Centre. Events are free to attend and are open to both customers and non-customers of Bank of Ireland.
Fully Booked
Friday’s Business and Community expo is fully booked, with 100 local businesses registered for the event. Special guest speakers include: Gavin Duffy, entrepreneur of Dragon’s Den fame and Dr. Edmond P Harty, CEO of Dairymaster and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2012.
Radio Kerry will broadcast their Drivetime Show live from the event from 6pm to 9pm. In addition to a business panel discussion and extensive networking opportunities, a fashion show featuring the latest trends and styles from Castleisland’s many renowned boutiques.
Family Entertainment
Saturday’s Sports and Community Expo has a range of activities to keep the entire family entertained. Over 50 local clubs, organisations and schools are involved.
Guest sport stars include Kerry GAA footballing legend Charlie Nelligan, Ex-rugby International legend Mick Galwey, Siobhan Fleming, a member of the Ladies Rugby World Cup team 2014, and Kerry GAA football star Killian Young.
Throughout the day there will be something for everyone. The action-packed schedule includes face painting, musical performances, a Trophy Roadshow with cups including the Sam Maguire & Liam McCarthy. Additionally, there will be a huge input from local clubs who will run demos in football, hurling, athletics, dance, and much more.
Commenting on the initiative, Paddy Garvey, Branch Manager, Bank of Ireland, Castleisland said: “We are very excited to bring our ‘Enterprise Town’ initiative to Castleisland and we have a very exciting schedule with something for everyone over the two days.
Enthusiastic Response
“The enthusiastic response from the local community has been exceptional with Friday’s business expo already fully booked! From the outset they have welcomed and embraced our proposal which is evident in the strong line-up of activity. I am proud of what we have achieved together over a very short time and am looking forward to an action packed weekend which will showcase the very best that Castleisland has to offer.
“Bank of Ireland is committed to supporting business growth in this country. We are open for lending and looking to attract new customers and we want to continue to be the Enterprise Bank in Ireland.
Potential to Drive Activity
“All are welcome and we would encourage local businesses and the wider community to engage with this initiative and participate in the programme of activities scheduled.
“There is much talk around the town on the potential that these events have to help drive increased activity for local enterprises. The Bank has been an active employer and business in this community for a very long time and our future success is intrinsically linked with the success of the local community” Mr. Garvey concluded.
