For the second year, Darver Castle, Ardee played host to Ireland’s only Age-Friendly Business Consumer Fair on Sunday October 6th and, once again, large crowds attended the Louth event to take part in talks, view the numerous trade stands and enjoy the entertainment – all focussed on Ireland’s growing ageing population.
The event was sponsored by Myhomecare.ie and supported by The Business Support Unit of Louth County Council, Louth Age-Friendly County Initiative, Age-Friendly Business Forum, Older Peoples Forum, Dundalk & Drogheda Chambers of Commerce and Ardee Traders Association.
Among those who gathered for the official opening of the Trade Fair were Louth County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Breathnach; Minister of State with responsibility for the New Era Project, Fergus O’Dowd TD; Dragon’s Den panellist and chair of the Louth Age Friendly Business Forum, Gavin Duffy and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce President, Paddy Matthews.
The Age Friendly Business Consumer Fair featured 50 business exhibitors which included a host of businesses and services for older people. Leaders in caring and support services, technology, finance, fashion and law were available to advise and provide valuable information on products and services available for older people. Free healthcare tests were provided on the day, courtesy of myhomecare.ie.
Once again, the Fair was free to attend and Pamela Brennan was the lucky winner who went home with a hamper of wine and locally produced Ferdia Gourmet Chocolates. Music for the afternoon was provided by traditional band, Glaisin.
Speaking on the success of the event, Cllr Declan Breathnach, said: “We are all proud of Louth and its position as not only a national leader, but an international leader in age friendly initiatives. This is only the second year of our Business Consumer Fair but it has already become a success as the country’s only event of its kind.” Chamber President, Paddy Matthews, also praised the event. “Emphasising Louth’s pioneering age-friendly industries and services are beneficial to both the businesses and customers. It is hard to believe just how much there is on our doorstep until you come to an event like this and see it for yourself.”
The organisers of the event, the Business Support Unit of Louth Local Authorities, would like to thank all those who took part in or attended the Age Friendly Business Consumer Fair and contributed to making the day such a tremendous success. Michael McCabe of the Business Support Unit welcomed the support of Dundalk and Drogheda Chambers of Commerce and Ardee Traders in the delivery of the event on the day.
