Business and sporting expo this weekend

Damian McCarney

Published: Tue 3 Nov 2015, 2:48 PM

Last updated: Tue 3 Nov 2015, 2:50 PM

An exciting programme of activities has been organised by the community of Clones and Bank of Ireland as part of an ‘Enterprise Town’ initiative this weekend.

The event aims to promote and drive business momentum for SMEs and the wider sports and social community in the locality. Activities over the two days include a Business Expo on Friday, November 6 from 4-7pm and a Sports and Community Expo on Saturday, November 7 from 10am-1pm. Both days’ events will take place in the Peace Link Centre in Clones, are free to attend and are open to all.

Over 60 local businesses will showcase at the Business Expo event on Friday. Special guest Norah Casey, entrepreneur formerly on Dragon’s Den, will officially open the event and will make a presentation. Additional speakers include Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys and Martin McVicar of Combilift Ltd. A presentation will also be made to the student winners of Bank of Ireland’s Enterprise Town School Award.
Saturday’s Sports and Community Expo will feature over 30 local organisations and clubs from a range of areas such as athletics, photography, Clones Men’s Shed, Forever Living, GAA, boxing and soccer. Special guests will include Paraic Duffy, director general of the GAA as well as Dick Clerkin, Finty Kelly, Owen Duffy and Jack McCarron from Monaghan County Football team who will have The Anglo-Celt trophy along with them. Also present will be former Co. Monaghan All-Star and footballing legend, Ciaran Murray. A GAA sports panel discussion will provide sporting enthusiasts with plenty of exciting insights.
Finally, a World Record Attempt will take place as Clones aims for the ‘Most players in a Gaelic football exhibition match’.
“We are very excited to bring our ‘Enterprise Town’ initiative to Clones,” said Mark Greaney, branch manager, Bank of Ireland, Clones. “The response from the local community has been heartening and from the outset they have welcomed and embraced our proposal. 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 Clones has to offer.”