Over 200 local business representatives attended this year’s Newry Chamber President’s Banquet on Friday 17th October in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry kindly supported by the hotel, Wood Innovations and Ulster Bank, Principal Sponsors of the event which is one of the highlights of the business year in the city.
The Chamber’s exceptional, inspirational and charismatic President, Edwina Flynn who is now nearing the end of her two-year term, delivered a superb President’s Address on the day, a wonderful reflection on leadership, progress and community.
Guest Speaker for this year’s President’s Banquet was Jarlath Burns, a man who has worn many hats including, Armagh Captain, School Principal, Respected Sports Commentator, and now, President of the GAA, one of the largest amateur sporting organisations in the world.
We were also delighted to help raise £3,500 with our Charity Raffle due to the incredible generosity of our guests for the Chamber’s 2025 Charity Partner, Women’s Aid Armagh Down.
This takes the total raised from our fundraising efforts this year to over £12,000 for Women’s Aid, an amazing local charity who provide such a vital service for many vulnerable people within our local community.
During her speech, Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade reflected on her two years in office and the progress the Chamber is making in promoting the economic needs of the region locally, nationally and internationally. She said:
“Like all good reflections, my mind was drawn to the moments that made it to the highlight reel of my presidency, 2023-2025.”
“I thought of all the coffees and conversations, meetings and moments, speeches and smiles, I thought of all the faces I’ve seen, the hands shaken, the encouragement given, and wisdom shared. I thought of this time last year , when we welcomed our First & deputy First Minister, here to Newry to the Canal Court Hotel.”
“I thought of laughter and selfies from Washington to Westminster, from the Oireachtas to back home here to Newry. I thought of connection and partnership and if collaboration really is the true currency of leadership, then Newry is one of the richest of them all.”
“And “if in dreams begin responsibility” then in Newry we dream bold and lead wisely. And if “show me your friends, and I’ll show you who you are becoming” really is the measuring stick of where we’re going, then I feel deeply honoured through my presidency to have been shown the friends of Newry and to have caught a glimpse of the Newry we are becoming.”
“For I can show you friends that stretch across the world who are already talking about Newry’s future and potential. And I can show you the optimists, the believers, the connectors, the dreamers who see what Newry can be, not just what it has been.”
“And I can show you the doers often working quietly behind the scenes, pushing for better, even when the odds are stacked against them. And I can show you a community that believes it deserves a seat at every table and isn’t afraid to use its voice and I will show you a region that refuses to be left behind. And I am proud that Newry Chamber has been at the heart of those connections – a catalyst for change and the promotor of progress.”