Muintir Mhaigh Eo Atha Cliath hosted its annual business lunch in the Four Seasons Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, last Friday afternoon, November 14. A key highlight in the social calendar of the association, the lunch brought together Mayo business people from a diverse range of industries including construction, technology, small businesses, hospitality, legal, financial, as well as public sector bodies. The lunch afforded all those gathered an opportunity to mingle, network, and influence in a relaxed setting. A capacity crowd of 460 guests marked the highest attendance for the association’s business lunch and seats were fully sold out two weeks in advance of the event. Dignitaries present on the day include TDs Lucinda Creighton, Dara Calleary, Pat Rabbitte, and Fergus O’Dowd. The current Mayo Person of the Year John Walkin and his wife Colette were also present.
Muintir Mhaigh Eo Atha Cliath was honoured to have as this year’s guest speaker the current Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan. Prior to welcoming him to the podium to speak, the current PRO of the association Mairead Kenny briefed all gathered on his long and varied list of political achievements to date, which include holding Government positions such as minister for justice, minister for industry and commerce, minister for energy, minister for health and leader of the opposition.
In his first public address since the recent Budget, Minister Noonan outlined the rationale for the measures taken by the current Government in the Budget required to necessitate economic growth not only in Dublin but outside of the capital in all parts of Ireland. Brief and precise with his words, the Minister’s speech was uplifting and signified his belief that positive changes are taking place to allow the country embark on a journey of recovery.
Upon completion of his speech, which was warmly received by all, the president of Muintir Mhaigh Eo, John Costello, presented the Minister with a book of poetry written by Michael Hartnett from Newcastle West, Co Limerick, and signed by the illustrator John Shinners as a token of appreciation.
