Local Enterprise Week 2024 saw a diverse range of businesses around Donegal taking advantage of the scope of events on offer, with thousands in attendance at 19 separate events hosted by both the Local Enterprise Office and a range of support partners across Donegal. Bernard Jackman, former Ireland rugby international, Jim McGuinness, Donegal GAA manager, and Cora Staunton, former Mayo ladies star, on stage at 'The Business of Leadership - Lessons from Sport' event in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny during Local Enterprise Week 2024. Photo by Joe Dunne The week kicked off on Monday, with an exhilarating session hosted by business broadcaster and journalist, Richard Curran, who was joined by a panel of local business experts, Eleanor Hanna, of Hanna Hats, Martin McGuinness of MMG Ocean, and Donagh Kelly of Circet, who shared their stories of starting and growing businesses from Donegal. Tuesday of Local Enterprise Week focused on Donegal food, with “The Food Coast Donegal Producers Showcase” in The Silver Tassie Hotel, hosted by Darragh McCullough of RTE’s ‘Ear to The Ground’. The event kicked off with keynote speaker Kwanghi Chan and a panel discussion with Siobhán Ní Gháirbhith of St Tola Cheese, Willie Cremen of Filligans and Eugene Gallen of Bon Appetit, who shared their insights into the culinary and consumer trends that will help Donegal food businesses innovate and grow. Niamh Ruane of Musgraves also presented on the buyer’s perspective, highlighting opportunities in the consumer food market. There was also a host of Donegal's finest food and drinks’ producers showcasing their products and networking throughout the event. On Wednesday, the focus was on “Stepping Up to Export” while Thursday’s event focused on sustainability with a free online “Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop.” Friday, March 8 marked the final day of Local Enterprise Week, and the focus turned to sport, with “The Business of Leadership – Lessons from Sport” event in the Mount Errigal Hotel.

placeholder image — Local Enterprise Week 2024 saw a diverse range of businesses around Donegal taking advantage of the scope of events on offer, with thousands in attendance at 19 separate events hosted by both the Local Enterprise Office and a range of support partners across Donegal. Bernard Jackman, former Ireland rugby international, Jim McGuinness, Donegal GAA manager, and Cora Staunton, former Mayo ladies star, on stage at 'The Business of Leadership - Lessons from Sport' event in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny during Local Enterprise Week 2024. Photo by Joe Dunne The week kicked off on Monday, with an exhilarating session hosted by business broadcaster and journalist, Richard Curran, who was joined by a panel of local business experts, Eleanor Hanna, of Hanna Hats, Martin McGuinness of MMG Ocean, and Donagh Kelly of Circet, who shared their stories of starting and growing businesses from Donegal. Tuesday of Local Enterprise Week focused on Donegal food, with “The Food Coast Donegal Producers Showcase” in The Silver Tassie Hotel, hosted by Darragh McCullough of RTE’s ‘Ear to The Ground’. The event kicked off with keynote speaker Kwanghi Chan and a panel discussion with Siobhán Ní Gháirbhith of St Tola Cheese, Willie Cremen of Filligans and Eugene Gallen of Bon Appetit, who shared their insights into the culinary and consumer trends that will help Donegal food businesses innovate and grow. Niamh Ruane of Musgraves also presented on the buyer’s perspective, highlighting opportunities in the consumer food market. There was also a host of Donegal's finest food and drinks’ producers showcasing their products and networking throughout the event. On Wednesday, the focus was on “Stepping Up to Export” while Thursday’s event focused on sustainability with a free online “Sustainability Kickstarter Workshop.” Friday, March 8 marked the final day of Local Enterprise Week, and the focus turned to sport, with “The Business of Leadership – Lessons from Sport” event in the Mount Errigal Hotel.

In Pictures: Donegal businesses shine during Local Enterprise Week

Published 13th Mar 2024, 12:33 GMT

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(Back Left) Kwanghi Chan, Chef, Siobhán Ni Gháirbhith, St Tola’s Cheese, Willie Cremen, Filligans, Eugene Gallen, Bon Appetite, (front left) Niamh Ruane, Musgrave Group, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, MC – Darragh McCullough, and Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal, attend the Food Coast Donegal Producer Showcase 2024 held in the Silver Tassie, Letterkenny. Photo by Joe Dunne

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Eugene Gallen, Bon Appetite, Willie Cremen, Filligans, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Siobhán Ni Gháirbhith, St Tola’s Cheese, Kwanghi Chan, Chef, and Niamh Ruane, Musgrave Group, attend the Food Coast Donegal Producer Showcase 2024 held in the Silver Tassie, Letterkenny. Photo by Joe Dunne.

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(Front left) Conor Doherty, innovation Officer at ALPHA Innovation, Kevin Sexton, Alpha Innovation, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Meabh Conaghan, Enterprise Ireland, Regional Director, and Steven Perry, Business Advisor Local Enterprise Office, with attendees at the 'Ready, Steady, Innovate' event in Lough Eske Castle Hotel, Lough Eske, Co. Donegal during Local Enterprise Week 2024. Photo by Joe Dunne

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(From left) Sean Perry, MC and sports commentator, Bernard Jackman, former Ireland rugby international, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Cora Staunton, former Mayo ladies star, Jim McGuinness, Donegal GAA manager, and Steven Perry, Business Advisor Local Enterprise Office, attend 'The Business of Leadership - Lessons from Sport' event in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny during Local Enterprise Week 2024. Photo by Joe Dunne

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In Pictures: Donegal businesses shine during Local Enterprise Week

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