Limerick entrepreneur is on a winner with contest
Raheen man, 20, organising event to showcase talent in the city
A TWENTY-year-old entrepreneur is organising a soccer tournament in a bid to highlight the talent Limerick has, both on the field and in business.
Raheen man David Hackett is putting together the event at Summerville Rovers’s home ground at Ballinacurra in the city on Saturday, December 5.
He’s gathered 15 up-and-coming new talents to help him deliver the competition, including local footballer Darren Nwankwo, musician Excel Ahmed and arts creator Tamera Keogh.
"I’m hyper-obsessed around Limerick and the potential it possesses. I am hoping to unlock it. I am always looking at every alleyway as to where talent exists, and maybe some unconventional routes where talent might be. I came through an unconventional route – I’ve not come through a business accelerator programme, work placement or college. I am self-made in that sense,” Mr Hackett told Business Leader. “I’ve been moulded by my environment, so it’s about finding these people in these little corners of life that other people aren’t looking in.”
David was the only Limerick student selected to attend the prestigious WebSummit event in Portugal earlier this year, and has developed a new computer programme, NexEire, which he hopes will transform the way the hospitality industry works.
More than €2,500 in prize money will be given to those taking part in the contest – including €1,500 for the winning team.
On top of this, he is planning to make a substantial donation to Summerville Rovers, which is playing host to the tournament.
He’s secured the prize money by approaching local businesses and benefactors.
And any proceeds from the event will go towards funding entrepreneur David’s latest Swap n Serve event next spring.
Geared towards tackling fast fashion, boosting sustainability and building stronger ties in the city, ‘Swap n Serve’ operates on a simple model - people donate unwanted clothing, which will then be sold in a pop-up shop for just €1 per item, with proceeds covering the cost of running the event.
Any stock left after the event is distributed equally among partner charities.
For more information, and to get involved in the tournament, check out www.swapnserve.com/cup