Chamber Classic Date Set

By karaghfox | Published: July 12, 2010

This years Mullingar Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic will take place on Friday 6th of August in the Mullingar Golf Club. The annual social networking event sees over 200 local business people taking to the greens in what is always very enjoyable day out. Already over 40 teams are booked in to play so it’s certainly going to be a busy day.

With breakfast rolls and burgers on the 9th hole, and possibly even a cold beer, followed by a sit down dinner in the clubhouse, our golfers definitely won’t go hungry. 

Anchor sponsor of this year’s event is the all new, and what’s been dubbed as the buy local initiative, BuyWestmeath.ie. Prize sponsors to date include, The Annebrook House Hotel, Middle Park House, Vanilla House, Belvedere, Glasson Golf and Country Club, Ilia, Temple Spa, Weirs Pharmacy, Flynn Fuels, The Wineport Lodge and Kilbeggan Race Course. A limited number of Tee & Green sponsorships are available. But are quickly going. So if you’d like to be part of one of Mullingar’s biggest golf and networking events, get in contact with Karagh in the Chamber today on 044 9344044. Alternatively if you’d like to play in the Classic get in touch with Karagh.

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Chamber Appoints New President

By karaghfox | Published: July 9, 2010

Newly Elected President, Julie Magan of Illia

 The 2010 AGM of the Mullingar Chamber of Commerce saw Julie Magan of Ilia take over the reins as President of the Chamber. Her predecessor, Paul O’Brennan handed over the Chain having spent two successful years as President.

 

Speaking about her appointment, Julie said, “I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and I’d like to thank all of those who have supported me and voted me in. It’s going to be challenging considering the climate we’re in but I’m confident and enthusiastic that the Chamber will continue to offer added value to our members.”

Tom Flynn of Flynn Fuels was appointed Vice President, while Tom Griffith of Midland Jobs.ie was re-elected as Company Treasurer.

In his last address as Chamber President, Paul O’Brennan welcomed the incoming President and wished her the best of luck in her new role. He thanked the full Executive team for their support and hard work over the past two years.

During Paul’s Presidency he, among other things, afforded members with two new Affinity Deals with Bord Gais Energy and Imagine Telecom.

Speaking about the saving these schemes offer members he said, “Given the times we find ourselves in, any opportunity to cut costs is an advantage. The deals we’ve laid out with Bord Gáis Energy and Imagine will certainly reduce our members operating costs into the future. It’s our duty as the Chamber of Commerce to make Mullingar an attractive and profitable place to do business, and by initiating small schemes like these we help our members reduce their overall operating costs.”  

There was six new Executive members elected and as there were no resignations from the previous Executive, the Committee is now made up of 21 Executive Members.

Existing members of the Executive that have been reappointed for another term include:  Niall Weir of Weirs Pharmacy, Dara O’Reilly Daly of Dara Marketing, Pat Davitt of Sherry Fitzgerald, Davitt & Davitt, Sheila Cassidy of CK Financial Solutions, Gordon Mitchell of Mitchell Murtagh Consulting Engineers, Berty Dunne of the Annebrook House Hotel, Denis Hogan of Harbour Place Shopping Centre, Padraic Murtagh of FBD, Denise O’Brien of Denise O’Brien Graphic Design, Lisa O’Connell of Forus Training, Pat Whelan of Whelan Accountants and Paul O’Brennan of Meadowhall Construction who will act as Deputy President.

The six new Executive members are, Marguerite Buckley of Buckley & Co. Solicitors, Michael Fagan of Fagan Office Supplies, Tomas Nally of Rochforts, Jimmy Buckley of Buckley’s Supervalu and Accountant Robert Harrison.

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A Taste of Mullingar Blistering Success

By karaghfox | Published: June 23, 2010
Dominic Street was alive last Sunday with what could only be described as a great day for all the family. The sunshine and blistering heat had people out in their droves lapping up good food, good company and much more.

The streets were trawled with young and old and the traders offered something for everybody, from great food to handmade jewellery to reflexology. It was all there. There was no doubt that the sunshine lifted everyone’s sprits. The wet sponge throwing certainly proved popular, both among the adults and children, in the sweltering heat that saw Dominick Street packed full of visitors for the day.

Hotting Things Up

Bubbles the clown and Gerturd the face painter certainly entertained the children for the day by providing free face painting and Balloon modelling. The flash dance had children and their parents lining up the street dancing in unison. Its estimated there was over 200 people dancing in the street, all doing the same moves.

The adults and teens weren’t forgotten about when it came to entertainment. Fire breathers put on an amazing show that left some mouths open in awe.

From dogs to hats to flowers Bubbles the clown did them all

There were two categories for the tug a war, a men’s and a ladies team. Spectators lined the barriers of the taxi rank to cheer on their team. Winner of the men’s team was the Fire Brigade and of the ladies, the team from the Old Stand.

Mick Gaffney gets spoonged down in the scorching heat of Dominick Street

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Dominick Street Family Fun

By karaghfox | Published: June 17, 2010

Sunday 20th June 2010 from 12pm to 5pm will see Dominick Street in Mullingar come alive with what promises to be a fun family day out for all. The event, A Taste of Mullingar, organised in association with the Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Westmeath Co. Co, the Dominick Street Traders and the Farmers Market, is going to see a hype of activity on Dominick Street all day on Sunday 20th June. 

To support the closing ceremony of Destination Sport Mullingar, the traders of Dominick Street and many more will be out in their droves, on the street, selling an array of products not to mention the fine food stalls and handmade crafts, provided by the local farmers market.

Thomas Nally of Rochforts and member of the organising committee said, “This promises to be a great day. We’re really going to bring a festival feel to the street with all the stalls, tug a wars, music and lots of different children’s entertainment going on. There’s going to be a great buzz about the place on the day.”

 Children’s entertainment is a big focus for the day with free face painting and balloon moulding. There will also be various different games like sponge throwing and basket ball. A fire breathing show is also on the cards for the day. And in honour of Fathers Day, the organisers are calling all Dads’ and their children to take part in a farther and son/daughter race. 

As Dominick Street will be closed to traffic on the 20th, the organisers are asking anyone who may leave their car on the street on the Saturday night , (19th June), to kindly have it removed by 9am on Sunday morning, (20th June), to facilitate the construction of tents and ease of set up for the day.

Karagh Fox, Business Development Manager with the Mullingar Chamber said, “It’s going to be a great day for the businesses not only on Dominick Street but throughout the town. The closing of Destination Sport, combined with A Taste of Mullingar should certainly see the streets alive and bustling.”

As part of the closing ceremony of Destination Sport Mullingar, around 65 of the Lakeside Wheelers will travel about 15-20 kilometres outside of Mullingar, to greet three cyclists, that will just have travelled the length and breadth of the Country, as park of National Bike week 2010. The bike brigade will travel up through Mount Street and reside at the bottom of Dominick Street where they’ll be welcomed by their many supporters, as well as some special guests that will be announced shortly.

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DESTINATION SPORT – MULLINGAR

By karaghfox | Published: June 8, 2010

A new and exciting sporting extravaganza – titled “Destination Sport–Mullingar” was officially launched in the Atrium of County Buildings, Mullingar, on Monday evening by Cllr. Fintan Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council.

Cllr. Cooney told the large attendance,

“Westmeath County Council, Mullingar Town Council, Failte Ireland and Mullingar Chamber of Commerce in association with Westmeath Sports Partnership Ltd., Waterways Ireland and Co. Westmeath Tourism Ltd., and supported by participating sports clubs and other sporting interests in Mullingar, were delighted to be involved over the past number of months in co-ordinating the hosting of “Destination Sport-Mullingar” which will involve a week-long celebration of sport in Mullingar between the 12th and 20th June 2010.”

Destination Sport–Mullingar has grown out of the success of the sporting endeavours during National Bike Week in June 2009, when the Mullingar Criterium Cycle race was resurrected after a lapse of over 25 years. Later in 2009 during the Failte Ireland-led initiative “Discover Mullingar Day”, the very first “Sports Zone” was held in the grounds of Loreto College, Mullingar, affording the many participating sports clubs a unique opportunity to showcase their particular sport to the large audiences and where those attending also had the opportunity to try the various sports for themselves, in a fun way. Swimming & boating events also took place on the Royal Canal at Harbour Bridge.

Also in 2009, in a project involving Westmeath County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland, Mullingar was established as a National Cycling Hub Town in line with Failte Ireland’s strategy to promote cycling tourism, aimed at attracting increased domestic and overseas tourism activity. The project also sought to renew the popularity of cycling as part of an active lifestyle and to promote the undoubted health benefits that can be gained from leisure cycling.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kevin Kidney, Head of Operations, Fáilte Ireland Mullingar said,

“Fáilte Ireland is delighted to support “Destination Sport”. We promote County Westmeath under the umbrella of Lakelands & Inland Waterways and research has shown that events such as this are an integral part of the Irish tourism offering, while at the same time affording an opportunity for local people to enjoy the benefits. Following on from the success of Discover Mullingar in 2009, this exciting event again shows the value of state agencies and the industry working together.”

Sport is an activity which touches the lives of many people, providing opportunities to play sports, to join sports clubs, to attend sporting fixtures or to volunteer for sport-related activity and makes a significant contribution to the well being of our society in general.

The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Cooney went on to say,

“Destination Sport – Mullingar is intended to celebrate and showcase the large number of sports clubs and sporting opportunities available in and around Mullingar. The celebration of SPORT is also designed to encourage public participation in a fun way. It’s about people getting to see sports – some they may not have seen before and it’s about people getting a sense of and an appreciation for the levels of expertise that can be achieved through individual and team effort.”

Cllr. Ruth Illingworth, Cathaoirleach of Mullingar Town Council also speaking at the launch, warmly welcomed the “Destination Sport –Mullingar” event and said,

“Mullingar has a rich sporting history and the town has produced many distinguished sports men & women. This event offers an opportunity to show off the towns sporting talent and will hopefully encourage more people to become involved in sporting activity”.

Mr. Paul O’Brennan, President of Mullingar Chamber of Commerce said at the launch,

“We’re delighted to be part of “Destination Sport”. The week long celebrations will be of huge benefit to the town and will lift the great community spirit we’ve developed over the years. It’ll be great to see the town come alive to celebrate, and appreciate the level of sporting activity we have here on our doorstep”.

So from the proposed opening parade on the 12th June and a minimum of 60 scheduled events to choose from, with ample opportunities for participation in a fun way and not forgetting the exciting Criterium Cycle Race and the “Great Mullingar Turbo Cycle Challenge” to the people of Mullingar – and with the mouth-watering prospect of another “Taste of Mullingar – Open Air Street Market”, it is anticipated that Mullingar will be buzzing throughout the week-long celebrations.

Putting Mullingar on the map as “Destination Sport” –  Come and join the fun.

Download the Mullingar Destination Sport – What’s on Guide.

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The Great Mullingar Turbo Cycle Challenge

By karaghfox | Published: June 8, 2010

The Great Mullingar Turbo Cycle Challenge will take place from Sunday the 13th of June to Sunday the 20th of June (excluding Wednesday the 16th of June) as part of Destination Sport and National Bike Week. It challenges the people of Mullingar to cycle as many kilometres as possible in a week and we are delighted to invite you and/or your organisation to participate. The challenge is a fun, free event for cyclists of all capabilities.

Bike Week IrelandHow does it work?

The challenge will involve turbo bicycles which are basically racing bikes with their wheels elevated off the ground in order to remain stationary. The distance recorded and displayed on a small digital screen on the bike by each person/team taking part in the event will add to the cumulative distance travelled by everyone taking part. At the end of the week we will discover how many kilometres the people of Mullingar have cycled during the week. The challenge for the people of Mullingar is to cycle 2000 km.

Will you rise to the challenge?

We would like to promote healthy competition between teams. If your organisation wants to enter several teams why not have them compete side by side over the same hour. Or perhaps compete against rival businesses or clubs during, for instance a hotel hour, a factory hour, a GAA club hour etc.

The event will run from 4pm – 6pm from Monday to Saturday and 3pm – 5pm on Sundays and will take place at the following venues:

  • Sunday 13th June: Market Square Plaza
  • Monday 14th June: Fairgreen shopping centre
  • Tuesday 15th June: Tesco shopping centre
  • Thursday 17th June: Market Square Plaza
  • Friday 18th June: Plaza outside the Town Park
  • Saturday 19th June: Harbour Place shopping centre
  • Sunday 20th June: Dominick Square Plaza

How do you get involved?

In order to take part you can either form a team of three or do so individually. All you need to do is e-mail or phone Daryl (contact information below) and book a time slot. Each team or individual will be allocated a bicycle and it is up to the team/individual to complete as many kilometres as possible during the allocated time slot. In terms of teams, each team member must complete approximately the same amount of time (e.g. in a team of three, for one hour, each member will complete approximately twenty minutes).

If you haven’t booked your time slot and are passing by and want to get involved, you can book a time to suit you, come back prepared and away you go! All contributions will be recorded and added to the cumulative distance.

Still not excited??

As an added incentive there will be prizes up for grabs for the:

  • Male team that cycles the most kilometres
  • Female team that cycles the most kilometres
  • Junior (U16) male team that cycles the most kilometres
  • Junior (U16) female team that cycles the most kilometres
  • Individual who cycles the most kilometres
  • Mixed team that cycles the most kilometres

Through the combined efforts of teams and individuals, the challenge is to see how far the people of Mullingar can cycle in the week of Destination Sport. You don’t want to miss it!!

Contact information:

If interested please:

  • call Daryl at 044 93 32170
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Blooming Great Value Day

By karaghfox | Published: June 8, 2010

To mark Bloomsday 2010 in Mullingar our Local Businesses are Offering YOU ‘Blooming Great Value’

Texas 10% off everything in store (this offer is not in conjunction with any existing in store offer)

Unique Boutique Free entry to Draw on June 16th. with every purchase. Lots of spot prizes and surprises! Special Discounts on selected items. Do call in….

Weirs Pharmacy Half Price Ambre Solaire & Nivea Sun Care Products. €40 Off Slendertone system Abs Male & female. Camera Special Offers – Nikon Coolpix S3000 & Fuji Film Z70 Bundle Deals from only €139.99.

Ashe Equestrian 15% off all products in store at Ashe Road, Mullingar.

Unicare Pharmacy David Beckam Intimately Man 40% off for one week only 14/06-20/06. Roc Minesol Face Factor 50 Was €15.95 Now €9.57-21/06-27-06. All of June, Great Fathers Day Gift Ideas, Nivea For Men Range 50% Off, Calvin Klein Man 100ml, Save 50% Was €60.20 Now €30.10

Apachie Pizza Bloomsday Lunch Pizza, Black Pudding (no Kidney) and bacon (or any 2 toppings and a mineral for €5.

Westmeath Windows & Doors Ltd 10% discount on all new and replacement orders from the 1st of June, 2010. Special rate on sunrooms; prices start from €20,000. 5% off all roller door prices and 5% off all glass services. Tel: (086) 6015325/ (044) 9390200.

Temple Spa BLOOMSDAY AFTERNOON AT THE SPA Enjoy a two course lunch or early supper … relax in the vitality suite … join in a guided walk, tai chi or relaxation class … enjoy a mini spa treatment … and mid afternoon refreshments … all f0or only  €75.00 per person. Tel: 05793 35118 to reserve a place.

Base Computers €20.00 off all External Hard Disk Drives. Free Laptop Carry Case with all Laptops Purchased.

Aviva Book 10 driving lessons – Get 2 free – Get €200 off your car insurance – Get 6 months free accompanied driver cover with Aviva – Call into the branch in Dominick Street or call 1890 40 50 80. T&C apply for compliance purposes.

Spar, Dominick Street Chicken Fillet Role and Drink only €2.99

Fagans Print & Design 500 Letterheads, 500 Comp Slips, 500 Business Cards from only €299

Ilia Coffee Shop Blooming Starving – Soup and Sandwich only €6. Exciting Summer Sensations, Knickerbocker Glory, Peach Melba and much more, all only €4.50.

Flynn Fuels FuelBloom at Flynn Fuels-Don’t just fill it FLYNN FUEL it, ring today & quote this flyer for a super hot fuel deal. Tel: 044 9376100

Annebrook House Hotel Got that Friday Feeling? Then get to Bertys Bar at the Annebrook House Hotel for a free after work b.b.q. From  5-7pm.Wild Winter Wedding prices – All weddings, any day, January, February & March – €29.95 per person call 044 9353300 to arrange your wedding show round today

Avalon Home + Design 20% off on Indivi2 sofas & Occasional Dining

Lolli Pops Children’s wear Great Summer Sale now on.

Tots Paradise 25% off all Knitting Yarn

Note: To claim your special offer you must quote ‘Blooming Good Value Day’. Offers are for one day only unless otherwise stipulated by the retailer.

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Dominick Street to Leave a Sweet Taste

By karaghfox | Published: June 8, 2010

Sunday 20th June 2010 from 12pm to 5pm will see Dominick Street in Mullingar come alive with what promises to be a fun family day out for all. The event, A Taste of Mullingar, organised in association with the Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Westmeath Co. Co, the Dominick Street Traders and the Farmers Market, is going to see a hype of activity on Dominick Street all day on Sunday 20th June. 

 To support the closing ceremony of Destination Sport Mullingar, the traders of Dominick Street and many more will be out in their droves, on the street, selling an array of products not to mention the fine food stalls and handmade crafts, provided by the local farmers market.

 Thomas Nally of Rochforts and member of the organising committee said, “This promises to be a great day. We’re really going to bring a festival feel to the street with all the stalls, tug a wars, music and lots of different children’s entertainment going on. There’s going to be a great buzz about the place on the day.”

 Full event details of A Taste of Mullingar will be released next week. By the sounds of things though, it already seems like it’s going to be a day to remember!

 As Dominick Street will be closed to traffic on the 20th, the organisers are asking anyone who may leave their car on the street on the Saturday night , (19th June), to kindly have it removed by 9am on Sunday morning, (20th June), to facilitate the construction of tents and ease of set up for the day.

Karagh Fox, Business Development Manager with the Mullingar Chamber said, “It’s going to be a great day for the businesses not only on Dominick Street but throughout the town. The closing of Destination Sport, combined with A Taste of Mullingar should certainly see the streets alive and bustling.” 

As part of the closing ceremony of Destination Sport Mullingar, around 65 of the Lakeside Wheelers will travel about 15-20 kilometres outside of Mullingar, to greet three cyclists, that will just have travelled the length and breadth of the Country, as park of National Bike week 2010. The bike brigade will travel up through Mount Street and reside at the bottom of Dominick Street where they’ll be welcomed by their many supporters, as well as some special guests that will be announced shortly.

 For event updates, keep an eye on the local papers.

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Calling all businesses to ReJoyce!

By karaghfox | Published: June 8, 2010

Calling all businesses to ReJoyce!

James Joyce’s connections to Mullingar will be celebrated this year with a small number of events taking place around the town on Bloomsday, 16th June 2010.

Bloomsday traditionally celebrated by following the path of the  famous character, Leopold Bloom around Dublin on the morning of the 16th of June is a world known literary  celebration of James Joyces epic novel “Ulysses”. “Mullingar and the James Joyce connections will be highlighted to bring about a greater awareness of how and where references to Mullingar appear in the writings of this famous author.” says Rhona Rogers, Co. Westmeath Tourism Ltd.

The iconic date of the 16th June in the book is a nod to the day James first stepped out with his future wife Nora Barnacle and in celebrating Bloomsday in Mullingar in 2010 the romantic notion of a first date is the theme. Mullingar, the county town of Westmeath curiously is the only other part of Ireland that James Joyce ever spent time in. In 1900 his father Stanislaus was employed to sort out the electoral rolls in Westmeath and stayed at Levington House overlooking  Lough Owel. The young James spent two summer vacations from University College Dublin in Mullingar, where he stored away references and characters for his new style prose.

 The Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, Westmeath County  Council  and County Westmeath Tourism Ltd are calling on all local businesses to partake in a ‘Blooming Good Value Day’ on the 16th of June 2010.

A flyer displaying sixteen  special offers will be distributed locally and promoted online on www.mullingarchamber.ie. Hurry! The first sixteen businesses to  contact the Chamber will be included on the flyer.  For details of how to get your business involved and to avail of this free advertising opportunity contact the Chamber today with your ‘Blooming Good Offer’. Tel: 044 9344044 Email info@mullingarchamber.ie

Karagh Fox, Business Development Manager, Mullingar Chamber, said “This is a great opportunity for all businesses in the town. The 16th is falling on a Wednesday which wouldn’t normally be associated with a busy shopping day, so we’d hope to generate an increased level of footfall for our local businesses”.

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Mullingar Chamber Unveils Massive Discounts on Energy Costs for Members

By admin | Published: May 27, 2010
Chamber website launch

Derek Frehill, Minister Dara Calleary, Paul O'Brennan, Tim Whelan

The Mullingar Chamber of Commerce has today announced an exclusive Affinity Scheme with Bord Gáis Energy. The joint venture will see chamber members receiving a substantial discount if they make the Big Switch to Bord Gáis Energy.

The partnership, as well as the Chamber’s new website, kindly sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy, will be officially launched by Minister for State, Darragh Calleary TD at 6.30pm, on Thursday 20th May 2010 in the Greyhound Stadium, Mullingar.

Commenting on the partnership, Paul O’Brennan, President of the Mullingar Chamber of Commerce said,

“This is a great deal for our members. We’re the first Chamber in the Country to present our members with an offer such as this. Given the times we find ourselves in, any opportunity to cut costs is an advantage. The deal we’ve laid out with Bord Gáis will certainly reduce our members operating costs into the future.”

He continued,

“In fact, in real terms, the savings our members will make, will translate into free annual subscription to the Chamber. So, not only will members get all the benefits of being part of one of the countries biggest business networks, but the joining fee or yearly subscription will cost them nothing because they’re saving a huge amount on their energy or electricity due to the fact they are Chamber members.”

Fergus Walsh, SME Sales Manager, Bord Gáis Energy, said,

“We’re delighted to offer members of the Mullingar Chamber a substantial discount on their electricity bills. We have ambitious plans for the Irish market and are committed to driving down the cost of energy in not only Mullingar, but throughout the country.”

Speaking about the advantage to Chamber members Mr O’Brennan said,

“It’s our duty as the Chamber of Commerce to make Mullingar an attractive and profitable place to do business. By taking small, but significant steps, and reducing the cost of doing business for our members, means vital cash flow can be preserved and our members can continue to trade through these difficult times we find ourselves in.”

Members looking for further information can log onto the Chambers new website www.mullingarchamber.ie or alternatively contact Donal Hanly, Bord Gais Energy on 085 276 1407 or by email dhanly@cmpire.ie.

For further information, contact Karagh Fox, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce, 044 9344044 or 087 9917223.

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