Representatives of Laois County Council returned from their annual St Patrick’s weekend trip to New York in good spirits, confident that they have bolster the county for the months and years ahead.
An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Sean Fleming, and the Council’s Chief Executive, Mr Michael Rainey, made the trip across the Atlantic where they promoted investment and tourism in Laois as well as connecting with the Laois diaspora in one of the world’s most famous cities.
Investment
The delegation visited the Office of Enterprise Ireland on Park Avenue on Friday, March 14, where they met with Ms Marisa Mannion, Senior Vice President Construction and Engineering, US.
Discussions were held in relation to the services available from New York to businesses in Laois as well as the possibilities for Laois businesses to expand into American market.
The delegation next met with representatives from IDA Ireland, where they “highlighted the lack of IDA supported jobs in the county to date,” and also “emphasised the need for future foreign direct investment in the county.”
Discussions were held in relation to the IDA lands in Portlaoise and it can attract more investment to the site.
Tourism
On a very busy day, the delegation met with Tourism Ireland representatives, Mr Paul McDonagh (Trade and Industry Engagement Manager) and Ms Ashling Scanlon (Advertising and Consumer Engagement Executive).
Cllr Fleming and Mr Rainey presented Laois Tourism Brochures, while officials from Tourism Ireland delivered a presentation on their work.
This included a look at some of the more significant tourism offerings within the county, such as hotel accommodation, a range of golf courses and outdoor recreation.
Maintaining cultural and community links and supporting Laois Diaspora
On Saturday, March 15, Cllr Fleming and Mr Rainey met with members of the Laois Association and the wider Laois diaspora.
The meeting was held at the American Irish Historical Society premises on 5th Avenue, where they had the opportunity to attend a performance from the Timahoe Male Choir.
The delegation were lucky enough to attend a second performance from the Choir later on in the evening.
“It was a privilege to be in their company and hear the performance of the Choir who have gone from strength to strength since their get together a couple of years ago,” Cllr Fleming and Mr Rainey said.
The President of the Laois Association, Mike Dunphy, hosted a formal dinner with the Laois Association on Saturday, March 16, to acknowledge the work of the NY County Laois Association and the links with the county.
The delegation also made presentations of two St Brigid’s crosses designed by Laois jeweller Yvonne Bolger and a book of Artwork which was exhibited in the Laois Arthouse by local Artist, Ms Denise Curtin to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025.
On the morning of St Patrick’s Day, Cllr Fleming and Mr Rainey joined representatives of the County Laois Association to attended mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral.
The trip was brought to a proud conclusion when the group took part in the city’s Parade alongside many natives of Laois who now live in the USA.
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