Local businesses urged to support national events

Athlone Chamber President Aengus O"Rourke called on all businesses in 2009 to make every effort to support the wide range of national events happening in Athlone in 2009. 'As we face into 2009, Athlone is very lucky with the number of national events planned for that will take place in the town. All these events bring welcome visitors to our town, bring national media attention to our town and bring business to the town. I would appeal to each and every business to support the up-coming national events in various ways.' He went on to cite the All Ireland Drama Festival, the Community Games finals, TriAthlone, the Athlone Literary Festival and the 84th Annual National Rotary Conference as examples. 'We have the All Ireland Drama Festival in May, a two-week national event sponsored by RTE and deserving of our support. There is a voluntary committee working to attract audiences and maintain the event in the town and it is important that we all play our part in supporting this festival. Businesses can put up flower baskets, ensure there is not litter outside their premises, advertise in their programme, sponsor an aspect of the festival, attend the events, shops can dress their windows, and all the restaurants and pubs and hotels can give good deals and good service,' he said. 'This is followed by the Community Games in both May and August and thanks to the AIT and to Prof O Cathain and his team who have worked to secure this national event for the town. It is important that businesses support this event by advertising in their programme, providing music and entertainment, giving good deals and maintaining their premises in good order, with a warm welcome for the athletes and their families. 'In July we have the Triathlone, which is a colourful and exciting event to have in the town and there is a voluntary committee working away tirelessly in the background to ensure the success of this event. Growing from strength to strength year on year, it is important that we support this festival by putting in that extra effort to welcome the athletes and friends and families,' he said. Mr O"Rourke revealed that it was planned to extend the Discover Athlone day and a voluntary committee would be set up to run this excellent event. 'In September we have the Athlone Literary Festival which brings a whole new audience to Athlone and attracts national media attention highlighting our town as an area where events happen. 'The 84th Annual National Rotary Conference is happening in Athlone in October 2009, bringing over 600 visitors from all over Ireland"s 32 counties to the town. The Athlone Rotary Club have worked hard to bring this event to the town and it is important we do all in our power to make people feel welcome to Athlone,' he concluded.