Darragh McAllister Elected President Ennis Chamber
March 31, 2021
At this year’s AGM (March 30), Ennis Chamber elected Darragh McAllister to the role of President. Darragh is a well-known publican in Ennis, who together with his business partner Dylan Hayes, runs Lucas’ Bar and Considine’s Bar, both located on Parnell Street. Colin Ryan, Branch Manager, Bank of Ireland, Ennis was elected Vice President.
Darragh takes over as President of Ennis Chamber from Allen Flynn, Old Ground Hotel, who held the position during the unprecedented, and turbulent Covid times experienced over the past 12 months.
Speaking after his election, Darragh McAllister said, “I am delighted to take on this role, no doubt it will be challenging, especially in this climate, but I’m up for it.
The past 12 months have been among the most challenging in living memory, for both business and private life. The spectre of March 2020 continues to haunt us, in new and varied ways. What many have lost can never be replaced and, without a doubt, how we live, work and conduct business has changed irrevocably. However, the spirit of the Chamber is one strengthened by challenge and change.
In the coming year we will have to face upheaval, like never before in the history of Irish or international business, but before we know where we are going, we must know where we are. Recovery, in 2021, will not mean a return to business as it was, rather it will mean once again finding our feet in a new reality and ensuring we have a strong stance from which to move forward.
Moving forward must mean growth. Any potential rebound from the reopening of the economy may be short-lived and it will be essential for us all to make the most of potential gains.
As a Chamber, I believe it is up to us to lead the charge in facing these challenges. I also believe that the Esprit de Corps that keeps the Chamber going is based on our ability, both as a group and as individual business people, to learn from ourselves and others and to change. If there is to be a new world then we should not only embrace it but become pioneers.
By listening, leading and lobbying for ‘Recovery and Growth’, our aim is for Ennis Chamber to make its mark on the local economy in 2021.
Ennis Chamber CEO, Margaret O’Brien welcomed the appointment of Darragh McAllister as the newly elected President. “I have known Darragh for some time and I know he will bring energy and astuteness to the role. I look forward to working with him and to support his aspirations for recovery and growth. “
She also thanked outgoing President Allen Flynn for his tireless commitment to the role of President over the past year. “As we close one chapter and start a new one, I’d like to acknowledge Allen Flynn’s commitment to the role. He did not waiver once, despite his own business obligations. He always made himself available and gave tremendous support to staff at Ennis Chamber.
He represented Ennis Chamber members with professionalism on the many Covid related taskforces and committees to which he was appointed. For a person running four hotels, operating in what became a beleaguered hospitality sector, he remained stoic in his commitment not only to the business community represented by Ennis Chamber, but also to his beloved. adopted hometown of Ennis.”
Ends
