This year's event will feature an outstanding line-up of business leaders, including Cathriona Hallahan, former Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland; entrepreneur Niall McGarry, founder of JOE.ie and Her.ie; Ciarán Crean, co-founder of MicksGarage; and Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport. Together, they bring a wealth of experience across technology, digital media, aviation, entrepreneurship and international business growth.

 

Castlebar Chamber President Maria Staunton said the Chamber is delighted to build on the momentum created by the inaugural event.

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"The response to Accelerate last year exceeded all expectations. This year's speakers have led and grown organisations at the highest level, and they'll share practical insights that attendees can take back to their own businesses. Accelerate is about bringing people together to learn, connect and inspire future growth across our region."

 

Accelerate has quickly established itself as a key business networking event in the West of Ireland. This year's conference, themed "Leadership, Resilience and Growth in the Real World", will feature keynote presentations, audience Q&A and networking, offering practical insights on leadership, innovation and business growth.

 

Speaker line-up:

• Cathriona Hallahan - Former Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland, Cathriona will explore leadership, organisational culture and driving transformation within one of the world's leading technology companies.

• Niall McGarry - Entrepreneur and founder of JOE.ie and Her.ie, Niall most recently led the successful sale of Fabric Social to global communications group Publicis. He will discuss entrepreneurship, brand building, digital media and succeeding in today's attention economy.

• Ciarán Crean - Co-founder of MicksGarage, Ciarán will share the journey of scaling an Irish e-commerce business into an international success, offering practical lessons on systems, growth and expanding into global markets.

• Joe Gilmore - Managing Director of Ireland West Airport, Joe will discuss the critical role of regional infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration and long-term investment in supporting economic development across the West of Ireland.

 

The evening will feature keynote presentations, an audience Q&A session and extensive networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration, innovation and knowledge-sharing across industries.

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Accelerate 2026 is proudly supported by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), The Cashin Family, Fortwayne Metals and Breaffy House Hotel.

 

Tickets are on Sale Now!

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• Castlebar Chamber Members: FREE + One complimentary ticket (unique discount codes emailed directly to all members. Check your emails from hello@castlebarchamber.com sent on 14th July)

• Early Bird General Admission: €35 until 31st July 2026

• General Admission: €50

• Group of 5 at the Table: €200 (2 x member complimentary tickets are separate)

 

Non-members are warmly encouraged to attend. Anyone who joins Castlebar Chamber following the event will receive the value of their individual event ticket off their Chamber membership.

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With places expected to fill quickly, early booking is strongly recommended.

 

For media enquiries or interview requests, please contact: Gillian Conway McGreal - 083 312 8787

 

Be part of something new. Be part of Accelerate.