Insights and Inspiration at Chamber’s Annual President’s Lunch

Theme: ‘Embracing New Directions – Discussions on Pivoting, Adapting & Evolving’

Over 130 people from businesses and organisations throughout the county attended County Carlow Chamber of Commerce’s annual President’s Lunch in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel last week,  sponsored by Carlow County Council and Local Enterprise Office.

Central to the event was a fireside chat with broadcaster, and now author Miriam O’Callaghan and rugby legend and businessman, Bernard Jackman.

‘We were thrilled that both Miriam and Bernard could join us – and give us some insight into how they have both handled taking on new challenges.  Led by special guest and expert interviewer, Brian Redmond (of KCLR and Dancing with the Stars) they discussed how they have dealt with changes of direction, challenges and opportunities that have arisen in their careers and in their lives.’ Says Norah Ryan, Chamber President.  ‘Their openness, honesty and humour were both engaging and inspiring.  I am so grateful to all three of our special guests for so generously giving of their time and their insight.’

The discussions were lively, with questions from the audience and some great anecdotes!

‘ We were delighted to see people from so many diverse businesses join us for this year’s President’s Lunch – it is a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of the Carlow business eco-system.  Businesspeople from all sectors, business sizes and stages got a chance to network and connect.’ Explains Chamber CEO Nicola Doran.  ‘ As a Chamber, our role is to support, promote and connect the business community – so events like this are vital.  They enable us to better understand the needs of members, to let them know how we can support them and most importantly how they can support each other.’

During her President’s address Norah Ryan focused on her pride in the calibre and achievements of businesses throughout the county – many of whom are, quietly and consistently boxing above their weight within their fields.  She encouraged businesses to raise the bar by shouting about their achievements – raising their profile and driving growth.

‘We are also lucky in Carlow to have a very strong ethos of collaboration – between businesses, community organisations and key stakeholders, such as Carlow County Council, the Local Enterprise Office, SETU, KCETB, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, our local media and our elected officials, as well as a variety of national support bodies.’  Explains Norah Ryan. ‘The result is a stronger, louder voice for county Carlow – which benefits us all.  And we can all help drive this momentum by highlighting the incredible achievements of businesses throughout the county.’

Norah also announced a new Chamber Charity Partner for 2026 – St Clare’s Hospitality Kitchen – who do such amazing work in our community.  Fr John Dunphy took to the podium to thank the Carlow business community – and indeed the wider community – for their incredible support to date, and to let everyone know the work that is being done by the dedicated staff and volunteers.  Each day over 130 hot meals are provided to those that need them, and food parcels are also distributed throughout the county.

The Chamber would like to thank everyone that attended this year’s event, and indeed all of the Chamber events throughout 2025 and to wish all of their members, sponsors, stakeholders and supporters a happy Christmas and a successful year ahead.