Mr Paraic Duffy Director General of GAA has accepted an invitation from Castleblayney Community Enterprise to be one of their guest speakers at a special Business and Community Networking Dinner event in the Glencarn on Saturday 2nd April at 8pm.

The event which has as its primary aim to promote a spirit of harmony and optimism in these present times is expected to attract a large attendance from the business, community and social fraternity within the town and surrounding areas.

Mr Duffy a native of Castleblayney who succeeded Liam Mulvihill as Director General of the GAA in February 2008 in his presentation will address the benefits and impacts of social capital and the role of volunteers who make an enormous contribution to the quality of life in the community.

Ms Annmarie McHugh a lecturer in Business Studies of DKIT is another invited guest to speak on the night and will highlight opportunities for businesses to keep ahead and maximise business potential in these challenging times.

An invitation has also been accepted by Cavan/Monaghan LEADER to give an overview of funding opportunities that are available to the businesses and community sector through the EU Programme.

Chairman of Castleblayney Community Enterprise Mr Aidan Campbell who will also give a brief address on the night is encouraging all local businesses and community activists to attend and has stressed that while the event will take cognisance of the current economic downturn its main thrust is to be informative and upbeat with inspirational themes. He is delighted that Castleblayney native Mr Paraic Duffy accepted the Boards invitation to speak on the night and said ‘Paraic is an eloquent and inspirational speaker and his own progression through the GAA should be a shining example to us all of how we can succeed if we have both belief and desire’.

Manager of Castleblayney Community Enterprise Mr Tommy McGuire believes the event should appeal to a broad spectrum of people within the local community from the community activist, those involved in business, major stakeholders in the community to those involved in making and shaping policy. He said ‘while the night is as much about celebrating our successes and strengths it is also through events like this that communities can recognise and grow the capacity of local people and leaders in a way that the community can also become more dynamic and vibrant in order to survive and thrive during unsettled times’.

The dinner event will be preceded by a Wine Reception at 7.15pm courtesy of McMahon Centra and will be followed by music entertainment from Tumbleweed. Tickets can be obtained from members of the Board of Directors of Castleblayney Community Enterprise or through the Enterprise Centre 042 – 9746087.