“We are absolutely delighted to launch this exciting new business event. Accelerate is about more than inspiration – it’s about action, ambition, and building a stronger business community. By bringing together some of the most respected voices in business, economics, and innovation, we’re creating an evening of valuable insights and meaningful connections. We look forward to welcoming our guests and to an impactful night.”- Anne Conlon, President, Castlebar Chamber

The event will be hosted by Ivan Yates, a renowned broadcaster, entrepreneur, author, and former Government Minister. Known for his straight-talking style and deep insights, Yates brings decades of experience across politics, media, and business, from serving as Minister for Agriculture to founding Celtic Bookmakers and fronting major national radio and TV programmes such as The Hard Shoulder and The Tonight Show and Podcast Paths to Power.

Headline speakers include:

• Jim Power, one of Ireland’s most respected economists, with over 38 years of experience in the private sector. Formerly Chief Economist with AIB and Friends First, he now leads his own consultancy, lectures on UCD’s MBA programmes, and co-hosts the economics podcast The Other Hand.
• Oonagh O’Hagan, award-winning Managing Director of Meagher’s Pharmacy Group. Under her leadership, Meagher’s has grown from a single pharmacy into a ten-strong network with a thriving international online business. Oonagh is a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurship and digital innovation in healthcare.

The evening will also feature fireside chats and a panel discussion with:

• John O’Shea, Site Lead & Director of Operations at Meissner, spearheading its European manufacturing expansion in Castlebar.
• Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University.
• Noel Brett, Assistant Secretary with the Revenue Commissioners and former CEO of the RSA and the Banking & Payments Federation.
• Anne Conlon, President of Castlebar Chamber, founder of All About Sales, and a leading international sales strategist and educator.

Special thanks to our sponsors – Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Pamex Limited, and Breaffy House Resort – for their generous support in bringing this exciting new event to life.

Castlebar Chamber members receive two complimentary tickets and are invited to an exclusive VIP reception from 5:00pm.

Non-members are warmly welcomed from 5.45 p.m (for a 6.30pm start), with general admission tickets available for just €25 +fees. (Tables of 6 are available for €150 +fees.)

Spaces are limited and early booking is strongly recommended!

Be part of something new. Be part of Accelerate.