A big celebration evening took place at the Kinsale Yacht Club last night to mark Kinsale’s win at the recent Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards. Kinsale took home the National title for the most Enterprising Town in Ireland in the 5,000 to 12,000 population category. For the third year running, Kinsale also won the overall Regional Munster title, taking home a total prize money of €13,000 in the process. This is a fantastic achievement for the progressive, forward-thinking town that seems to keep on pushing boundaries and never stops developing.
The journey for the judges started at the breathtaking Old Head Golf Links with a stakeholder breakfast and presentation. During the course of the judges visit, The Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Business were supported by key stakeholders, community groups, clubs and organisations which showcased the best of Kinsale and all it has to offer.
The judges were extremely impressed by the community spirit and business engagement and also commented on the world class facility at Kinsale Community School which recently won best School in Ireland at the Young Scientists Awards.
Last nights celebration started with a welcome from Mike Walsh, the newly appointed Commodore of the Kinsale Yacht Club. The event was attended by Minister Jim Daly, representatives from Cork County Council, a number of senior political figures, as well as members of the business community and representatives from Kinsale’s local clubs and organisations who took part in the judging day and impressed the judges with their presentations. A great night was had by all in the stunning setting of Kinsale Yacht Club overlooking the harbour and guests were treated to Blacks Gin from local company, Blacks Brewery and Distillery.
Speaking at the event, Minister Daly said: “Kinsale Town is a natural leader when it comes to fostering Enterprise. Geography and History have both been very kind to Kinsale but it is the homegrown, cross community, can-do approach that has resulted in Kinsale rightly being recognised as a leading Enterprise town in Ireland”.
On behalf of the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Business, Chairperson Guny Patel presented a gift of appreciation to Minister Daly, who is soon retiring from politics, for the amazing work he did for Kinsale and the West Cork region over the years.
Eilis Mannion, Head of Bank of Ireland for County Cork officially presented the award to Kinsale. Commenting on Kinsale’s win she said “We saw what happens when a team comes together and collaborates right across the whole community”. The win is indicative of the hard work and dedication of many businesses and enterprises but also of the community spirit which is at the heart of everything in Kinsale.
Guny Patel, Chairperson of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Business said “Kinsale has historically been recognised as a vibrant and progressive town. Today, this legacy continues due to the business leadership and vision that we are very grateful to have. Kinsale is constantly looking at ways to improve and grow. The process which we go through for these Enterprise Town awards, ensures we are focused on long term growth and development. Thank you to Bank of Ireland for recommending us for the awards each year and for their continuous support.”
Photography By: John Allen Photography
