'Energy' of Mayo county town's business sector signals bright future
The inaugural Accelerate event, hosted by Castlebar Chamber at Breaffy House Resort, proved a major success with a full house of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
The evening drew an audience from right across Castlebar and Mayo, with attendees hearing inspiring contributions from high-profile guest speakers including broadcaster and entrepreneur Ivan Yates, economist Jim Power, and Oonagh O’Hagan, managing director of Meagher’s Pharmacy Group.
A panel of leaders with strong connections to the region — including John O’Shea (Meissner), Dr. Orla Flynn (ATU), and Noel Brett (Revenue Commissioners) — also shared insights on leadership, innovation, and resilience.
Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Small Business, Retail & Circular Economy, and David Mellett, Head of Castlebar Municipal District, also addressed the audience on the evening, underlining the importance of collaboration between business and government in driving regional growth.
Chamber President Anne Conlon said the event reflected the vibrancy of Castlebar’s business community.
She stated: “Accelerate was about celebrating the ambition of our local businesses while also giving them access to new ideas, fresh thinking, and valuable connections.
"The energy in the room showed just how strong Castlebar’s business community has become. This is only the beginning.”
The event also underlined the remarkable growth of Castlebar Chamber, which has become one of the largest regional Chambers in Ireland over the past two years.
That growth has been driven by the support of local businesses and the chamber’s commitment to promoting Castlebar as a hub for enterprise and opportunity.
Local support was central to the success of the evening, with Breaffy House Resort providing a fitting venue and representatives from Mayo County Council, local TDs, councillors, and Ministers in attendance.
This was the final event for president Anne Conlon as outgoing President of Castlebar Chamber.
She will finish her term next month and will be succeeded by vice-president Maria Staunton.
Castlebar Chamber and its members extended their thanks to Anne for her dedication and commitment over the past two years.
The chamber also expressed gratitude to the event sponsors Pamex, Breaffy House Resort, and ATU, whose support was instrumental in making the evening possible.
The chamber has confirmed that Accelerate will now become an annual event, further reinforcing Castlebar’s position as a centre of enterprise, collaboration, and growth.
For businesses in Castlebar who are not yet members, the Chamber extended an open invitation to join and be part of its growing network.