Commercial and tourism manager is appointed to promote Carrick-on-Suir town

Pictured outside Ormond Castle after the announcement of the appointment of the new Commercial and Tourism Manager for Carrick-on-Suir town were from left: Carrick-on-Suir Development Association (COSDA) Chairman Niall Walsh, COSDA Secretary Patsy Fitzgerald, Olesia Yutkina, Admin Support; Carrick-on-Suir Commercial and Tourism Manager Sarah Jane Cleary, Carrick-on-Suir Tourism & Economic Development Committee (COSTEDC) Chairman Tony Musiol and Carrick-on-Suir Business Association Chairman Seamus Campbell picture Anne Marie Magorrian

Carrick-on-Suir has now its very own commercial and tourism manager whose work is to promote tourism, retail and other business enterprise in the town.

Carrick-on-Suir Tourism & Economic Development Committee (COSTEDC) this week announced the appointment of Sarah Jane Cleary to the position.

The Committee outlined that the Carrick-on-Suir Vision 2030 strategic plan for the town identified the need for a full-time person to coordinate the promotion of Carrick-on-Suir with the aim of creating a five-fold increase in tourist numbers and to maximise the business generated by its retail and hospitality enterprises and through the Stable Lane Digital Hub.

COSTEDC explained that over the next three years, Sarah Jane will be the key person in ensuring that the benefits to the town envisaged in Vision 2030 will be realised.

This includes the creation of the Tourism Installation “The Tides of Time” in Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre, the promotion of the Suir Blueway, the town centre’s upgrade under the €17.8m Carrick Regeneration Scheme, the promotion of Ormond Castle and the Butler Trail, and tourism projects in the hinterland, including Curraghmore and the Lingaun Valley.

She will also be involved in the promotion of the town as a retail centre and as a business centre with Stable Lane Digital Hub.
Impressive CV

COSTEDC described Ms Cleary as “a self-motivated entrepreneur” with 18 years of experience in building businesses.
She has had success in leading marketing campaigns, managing projects and meeting financial targets.

The Committee said Sarah Jane contributed to community-driven initiatives in Waterford City as the Creative Director of the sold-out Imagine Arts Festival 2022, curating an event infused with flair that honoured Waterford’s unique heritage as a Port City.

She managed the Thomas Francis Meagher Tricolour Celebration 2023, collaborating with government departments and embassies.

Ms Cleary founded The Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms, a successful multi-purpose space hosting various events where clever marketing resulted in sold-out events and media features.

She was involved in the Waterford Walls Street Art Festival, which transformed the city into an open-air art gallery and gained significant media coverage.

She also founded Beauty Team Ireland, a pioneering beauty network for which she won a Dragon’s Den business offer.

COSTEDC also pointed out that Sarah Jane was recognised as one of the Top 60 Most Influential Women in Business.

“Sarah Jane also served as an ambassador for Creative Spirits and the Waterford Cultural Quarter, advocating for entrepreneurship and creativity. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and has engaged in international learning experiences with European cities,” COSTEDC added.

Carrick-on-Suir Economic Development 2040 CLG, the funding arm of COSTEDC, said it wished to acknowledge the support of The Ireland Funds which has made this appointment possible.

It also paid tribute to the support received from local private and business donors over the years that has been essential in progressing Vision 2030.

Ms Cleary will be based at the Stable Lane Digital Hub on New Street and is commencing her work this month.

She will report to COSTEDC Chairman, Tony Musiol, with a “dotted line reporting relationship” to Carrick Business Association Chairman Seamus Campbell and Carrick Development Association Chairman Niall Walsh.