Latest news with #Finbarr
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo man taking top ISME role will focus on minimum wage reform and town centre regeneration
A native of Sligo town, Finbarr operates the award-winning family-owned Centra store in Castle Street and has served as ISME Vice-Chair since 2023. He has held senior roles across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors before moving into retail. Mr Filan has played a leading role in the revitalisation of Sligo town centre and the creation of the Sligo Business Improvement District (BID), which he chairs. He is also a member of the Government Advisory Group for the Town Centre First Policy, the National Retail Forum and steering group member of the Irish Town and City Development Association. He said: 'I'm honoured to take on the role of ISME chair at a time when the SME sector is facing both significant challenges and real opportunities. As someone based in the regions, I am particularly focused on ensuring that the voice of SMEs, the backbone of the Irish economy, continues to be heard.' Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, said: 'Finbarr brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of both SME business realities and the broader policy environment. He is a passionate advocate for town centre regeneration and for ensuring our regional economies thrive. We are delighted to have him lead the Association at this important time.' Mr Filan will be focused on securing formal representation for SMEs on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). He argues for reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated, ensuring it reflects real cost-of-living solutions rather than driving what he says is unsustainable wage inflation. He also champions town centre regeneration through enhanced supports for repurposing derelict buildings and advocates VAT rule changes to support earlier SME entry into export markets. On legal and insurance reform, Finbarr is calling for a statutory defence against transient retail defamation and implementation of key recommendations from the Kelly Report to help reduce public liability insurance costs and protect SME viability. Finbarr holds a BTech in Manufacturing Technology, ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance and Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management. He takes over the role from outgoing Chair Marc O'Dwyer.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo businessman is new chair of ISME and will seek reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated
A native of Sligo town, Finbarr operates the award-winning family-owned Centra store in Castle Street, Sligo and has served as ISME Vice-Chair since 2023. He has held senior roles across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and construction sectors before moving into retail. Filan has played a leading role in the revitalisation of Sligo town centre and the creation of the Sligo Business Improvement District (BID), which he chairs. He is also a member of the Government Advisory Group for the Town Centre First Policy, the National Retail Forum and steering group member of the Irish Town and City Development Association. He said: 'I'm honoured to take on the role of ISME Chair at a time when the SME sector is facing both significant challenges and real opportunities. As someone based in the regions, I am particularly focused on ensuring that the voice of SMEs, the backbone of the Irish economy, continues to be heard.' Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, said: 'Finbarr brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of both SME business realities and the broader policy environment. He is a passionate advocate for town centre regeneration and for ensuring our regional economies thrive. We are delighted to have him lead the Association at this important time.' Filan will be focused on securing formal representation for SMEs on the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF). He argues for reform of how the National Minimum Wage is calculated, ensuring it reflects real cost-of-living solutions rather than driving what he says is unsustainable wage inflation. He also champions town centre regeneration through enhanced supports for repurposing derelict buildings and advocates VAT rule changes to support earlier SME entry into export markets. On legal and insurance reform, Finbarr is calling for a statutory defence against transient retail defamation and implementation of key recommendations from the Kelly Report to help reduce public liability insurance costs and protect SME viability. Finbarr holds a BTech in Manufacturing Technology, ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance and Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management. He takes over the role from outgoing Chair Marc O'Dwyer.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
North Cork music group dazzle in video screening at Gate Cinema of recent Neurodiversity Week gig
The band eloquently named The Bandmates were formed two years ago and with the support of the Horizon's centre, were presented with the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience. After weeks of rehearsals, Bandmates performed a rendition of Fix You by Coldplay to the students and staff at Scoil Ghobnatan as part of Neurodiversity Week Ireland in March. The video of the performance was premiered at Mallow's Gate Cinema recently. Horizons staff member Finbarr Murray said 'music united complete strangers' on the day. 'Music united complete strangers that day, bridging the gap between those with intellectual disabilities and those without, bringing us together as one and that's what Bandmates has always been about.' Finbarr captured the performance along with the preparations leading up to the event. A red carpet was rolled out for stars of the video including their family, friends and pupils and staff from Scoil Ghobnatan. Bandmates member Shaunna McGowan said she hoped their performance would inspire the pupils of Scoil Ghobnatan to follow their dreams. Fellow band member Euan Pickard said about his own experience at Horizons: 'I do feel different, but I love myself. I love my life and that I can come into Horizons and do stuff. Don't feel sorry for me because I don't. I'm happy being me. The video is available on YouTube (
Sunday World
11-05-2025
- General
- Sunday World
‘An inspiration' – Sister's touching eulogy for young nurse who died suddenly
Sister's emotional eulogy remembers kind-hearted Louth woman who was loved by patients, teammates and friends, as over €143k raised to bring her home A heartbroken sister of Maire Claire Rogers, the Louth nurse who died suddenly while on holiday in Australia, told mourners at her funeral to celebrate the wonderful 24 years she had on this earth. Brave Grace Rogers said her beloved sibling had a smile that could light up any room and was inspirational to everyone around her. Hundreds of people attended the requiem Mass amid beautiful sunshine in Togher Church on Saturday. Grace recalled how Maire Claire had spent the last two weeks of her life living life to the full. She was with her boyfriend Paraic, who she adored, visiting her two favourite people in the whole world, her sister Heather and best friend Roisin, both of whom had been living in Sydney. Grace said: "Marie Claire had a smile that could light up any room, she had an infectious energy that inspired everyone around her, she wore her heart on her sleeve and it was open to everyone. "This was evident in the love she shared with the love of her life Paraic. Paraic entered our lives two years ago and the impact he made on Maire Claire and our family can't be overstated. "Every time he walked into our kitchen Maire Claire's eyes lit up. She loved nothing more than walking the beach with him." Grace said her family got great comfort from knowing their daughter and sister spent the last two weeks of her life with the people she loved most in this world - her favourite people and best friends Heather and Roisin. She said: "What an amazing two weeks they had, from a hot air balloon, to a sky dive to snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, she experienced more things in those two weeks with her best friends than most people experience in a lifetime." Marie Claire was a keen Gaelic footballer. Maire Claire works as a nurse at St Joseph's Hospital, Ardee and Grace said her smile translated so well into her nursing career as she was also caring by nature. She added: "Over the past two weeks it has been so comforting to hear how much she was adored by colleagues and patients. "Football also played a massive part in her life and the Finbarr ladies were like a family to her. "A messer in training but once she took to the field she gave 110pc every time and was instrumental in all the great successes the club has shared." Members of the club lined up to honour her as her cortege made its way both in and out of Togher Church. The Parish Priest Fr Paddy Rushe told mourners that there were "no words that can carry the weight of the moment." Marie Claire Rogers News in 90 seconds - 11th May 2025 He said: "We gather not only in mourning but also in shock, disbelief, it still feels impossible to accept that Marie Claire, so young, so full of life, so loved, is no longer with us. "Her absence leaves a silence that will echo loudly, not just in her family but in every place where her smile once lit up the room. Her voice lifted spirits and her presence brought warmth and joy." She is survived by her father Andrew, mother Mary, sisters Grace, Heather, and Frances and partner Paraic. A Go Fund page to help the County Louth family bring Maire Claire home from Australia and pay for their expenses, has raised over €143,000. Over 3,500 people contributed from all over Ireland and across the globe.
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
‘She was an inspiration to everyone' – Sister's touching funeral eulogy for sister (24) who died in Australia
Brave Grace Rogers said her beloved sibling had a smile that could light up any room and was inspirational to everyone around her. Hundreds of people attended the requiem Mass amid beautiful sunshine in Togher Church on Saturday. Grace recalled how Maire Claire had spent the last two weeks of her life living life to the full. She was with her boyfriend Paraic, who she adored, visiting her two favourite people in the whole world, her sister Heather and best friend Roisin, both of whom had been living in Sydney. Grace said: "Marie Claire had a smile that could light up any room, she had an infectious energy that inspired everyone around her, she wore her heart on her sleeve and it was open to everyone. "This was evident in the love she shared with the love of her life Paraic. Paraic entered our lives two years ago and the impact he made on Maire Claire and our family can't be overstated. "Every time he walked into our kitchen Maire Claire's eyes lit up. She loved nothing more than walking the beach with him." Grace said her family got great comfort from knowing their daughter and sister spent the last two weeks of her life with the people she loved most in this world - her favourite people and best friends Heather and Roisin. She said: "What an amazing two weeks they had, from a hot air balloon, to a sky dive to snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, she experienced more things in those two weeks with her best friends than most people experience in a lifetime." Maire Claire works as a nurse at St Joseph's Hospital, Ardee and Grace said her smile translated so well into her nursing career as she was also caring by nature. She added: "Over the past two weeks it has been so comforting to hear how much she was adored by colleagues and patients. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "Football also played a massive part in her life and the Finbarr ladies were like a family to her. "A messer in training but once she took to the field she gave 110pc every time and was instrumental in all the great successes the club has shared." Members of the club lined up to honour her as her cortege made its way both in and out of Togher Church. The Parish Priest Fr Paddy Rushe told mourners that there were "no words that can carry the weight of the moment." He said: "We gather not only in mourning but also in shock, disbelief, it still feels impossible to accept that Marie Claire, so young, so full of life, so loved, is no longer with us. "Her absence leaves a silence that will echo loudly, not just in her family but in every place where her smile once lit up the room. Her voice lifted spirits and her presence brought warmth and joy." She is survived by her father Andrew, mother Mary, sisters Grace, Heather, and Frances and partner Paraic. A Go Fund page to help the County Louth family bring Maire Claire home from Australia and pay for their expenses, has raised over €143,000. Over 3,500 people contributed from all over Ireland and across the globe.
