Leadership takes centre stage at the Letterkenny Chamber President’s Annual Lunch

The annual President’s Lunch hosted by the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce took place on Friday last at the Radisson Blu and proved a huge success.

The event brought together influential business leaders, Letterkenny Chamber members, stakeholders, partners, and the wider business community under the theme of “Leadership.”

The event, which was kindly sponsored by AIB, featured an engaging lineup of distinguished speakers and panellists who shared their insights on leadership, innovation, and resilience.

The keynote address was delivered by Cathal Friel, Managing Director of Raglan Capital and Chairman and Co-Founder of Poolbeg Pharma plc. Cathal, a Creeslough-born, seasoned entrepreneur with a remarkable track record, captivated the audience with his journey from managing a family business at age 16 to listing five companies on the London Stock Exchange.

Cathal also shared exciting news about his latest venture, the European Green Transition (EGT) which has entered into an agreement to investigate a potential peatland carbon sink programme in Donegal. EGT will seek to generate carbon credits at the site.

The exclusive option agreement offers EGT the opportunity to conduct due diligence on the carbon credit project over a 12-month period. Altan farm in Donegal spans around 1,370 acres. EGT says it does not plan on acquiring the land from its owner. Instead, it hopes to generate carbon credits through a revenue sharing model to lower its capital expenditure.

The event was hosted by Garrett Harte, a native of Raphoe, Donegal, former Editor-in-Chief of Newstalk, founder of Harte Media.

The Leadership Panel featured, Mairtin Kelly, Director of Kelly’s Centra and Diner, and Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards 2023 Business Person of the Year. Mairtin shared his inspirational journey from a young store manager to owning a thriving retail outlet employing 78 staff and serving 22,500 customers weekly – and his leadership tips around authenticity, recognising and nurturing potential, as well as leaning into mentorship for personal and professional development.

Sally Anne Sherry, Managing Director at Ecocem UK & Ireland and Non-Executive Director of Donegal 2040 Strategic Development DAC. Sally Anne, spoke passionately about innovation, sustainability, and her commitment to community development.

She is also an External Member of the Governing Body of Technological University Dublin. Sally Anne is a qualified solicitor and real estate specialist with almost two decades of experience in the property industry. Originally from Gartan and now based in Dublin, family-focused and passionate about innovation, sustainability, learning and networking.

Coman Goggins, Group Wellbeing Lead at AIB, highlighted his extensive experience in financial services and his role in promoting leadership through sports and wellbeing initiatives.

Coman captained Dublin to a first Leinster Senior football title in 7 years and across his Dublin Senior inter-county football career collected 4 Leinster Senior Titles and a GAA Allstar award. Coman reiterated AIB’s dedication to supporting local businesses and community initiatives.

The panel and keynote emphasised the importance of mentors, a strong network, respect, resilience, courage, clear communication, loyalty, and leading by example.

Claire McDonough, President of the Letterkenny Chamber, welcomed guests and highlighted the Chamber’s commitment to fostering leadership and business growth in Donegal.

“Letterkenny Chamber want to ensure Donegal and the northwest region receives the investment and assistance it needs to continue to be ambitious, and vibrant. A place where people long to work and live.

“We have chosen leadership as our event today, and as a Chamber we play our leadership role in representing over 300 members employing over 10,000 people.

“Letterkenny is the urban centre of Donegal. Our population is now at 22,500 and is boosted everyday by the influx of workers and students from across the county and region.

“Importantly, we are part of the Northwest City Region and as the only Chamber in Donegal we are proud to play our part in promoting and lobbying for investment, in partnership with our colleagues in Derry Chamber. Together, we make up the 4th largest city on the island and it is imperative that we are recognised as such, and allocated appropriate investment.”