Love Carlow

Tuesday 11 October 2016

When I opened an email in late September to alert me to the fact that The Baby Room had been nominated for “Carlow’s Best Start Up / Emerging Business Award” in the County Carlow Chamber Business Awards, after only a month in business, I was blown away.  My first thought was to ring my husband and ask whether he had nominated me. His response was “No, did you nominate yourself?”.

I had no expectations of the night really, other than dusting off the high heels and having some fun time out with said husband.  Things have been so chaotic with opening a new business that we are like ships in the night so it was a great opportunity to have some catch up time together.  The Visual is always such a lovely venue for a gathering.  The food by Lennon’s is to die for and washed down with Walsh’s Whiskey, the night was off to a great start.  Being new to business in Carlow, it was a great opportunity to mingle, chat and connect with other business owners.

John Purcell, Chief Executive of KCLR and chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland did an excellent job as compere, keeping the evening light, entertaining and flowing.  Watching the night unfold, seeing not only business owners, but also their staff and those giving their time to the community sector, honoured for their commitment and dedication was really very special.  Carlow might be a small county but we have an incredible array of diverse businesses, both emerging and well established, as well as a tireless volunteer sector.  The Carlow Community Award went to Eist Cancer Support Centre for the remarkable work they do.  And at a time when the county has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, it was particularly poignant for The Darkness Into Light Walk to receive the Spirit of Carlow Award.  I think anyone who has taken part in the candle lit vigil can attest to what a triumph of the human spirit the event is.

It was an absolute pleasure to watch Anthony Dooley receive a lifetime achievement award.  He spoke so passionately about his work and what the support of his family has meant to him over the years.  He is a shining example of the sheer grit that business requires.

Sean O’Brien was honoured with a well-deserved Carlow ambassador award and spoke about his pride in the county.

The fabulous duo of Lesley & Phil at Fusion Fitness were the exceptionally well deserved winners of our Emerging Business category.  I hear nothing but high praise for the work that they do and can only hope to learn from their dedication as I grow my own business.

The night was a huge success and a real credit to the Carlow Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1947, the Chamber works for the interest of local business and for the development of the local and regional economy. There are currently over 300 businesses involved and many more who are benefiting from the very successful Love Carlow campaign.