Newry Chamber hosts a successful International Men’s Day event
Newry Chamber held its second hugely successful International Men’s Day Celebration event at a packed Newry Rugby Club recently, with more than 100 local business representatives in attendance.
Sponsored by Duality Healthcare, O’Hare & McGovern, and DMC Events, and hosted by the presenter, commentator and award-winning broadcaster, Thomas Niblock, the Chamber’s popular event is now a firm fixture in the annual events programme and was enjoyed by everyone in the room.
Organisers say there were “so many magic moments throughout the day with our speakers and panellists showing a deep sense of humour that had the audience in stitches on many occasions, and also displaying raw emotion and honesty around issues that all men face across family, work, performance and physical and mental health”.
The evening’s first ‘Fireside Chat’ was with the STATSports Co-Founder, Sean O’Connor, who discussed the remarkable journey of the Newry-based firm and their meteoric rise from humble local beginnings to their acquisition by global electronics giant, Sony.
Next in the armchair was General Surgeon – and 2002 All-Ireland winner with Armagh - Kevin McElvanna, who discussed the pain of loss, raising a family, developing a successful career and helping to turn tragedy to joy for his local club, Madden, who lifted their first Senior County Championship in their 92-year history.
Plenty of banter, chat and advice followed with the panel discussion featuring some of the area’s biggest personalities including:
Benny Tierney - 2002 All-Ireland Winner & School Principal; Colin Bell - Founder of The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust; Jim McGuigan - Actor, Singer, Director and Fundraiser; John McEvoy - CEO of Duality Healthcare.
Organisers sent a huge thank you to all the sponsors, speakers and panellists and all members and local businesses who attended.
All proceeds from the event will be going to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and 2025 Charity Partner, Women’s Aid Armagh Down.