Countdown to Roscommon LEADER Partnership Awards in Kilbride Community Centre

Eight Finalists Shortlisted for Gala Ceremony on Friday Night

The top eight finalists to take part in the prestigious Roscommon Leader Partnership social enterprise and self-employment awards have been announced this week – as excitement builds ahead of a glittering awards ceremony on Friday night next October 14th at 5pm in Kilbride Community centre.

The reaction from the public and the Roscommon community and business sectors to the awards has been exceptional and, over the last few weeks, individuals in companies and areas from all over the county submitted their entries – with an exceptionally high standard making the task ahead of the judges particularly testing in whittling down the entries to the last 4 in each category.

Friday night’s ceremony will see four contestants for the social enterprise awards fight it out for a cash prize fund of 2500 euro, a high profile video promotion production by Arise West and the chance to win an exciting radio and newspaper advertising voucher with the Roscommon Herald and Shannonside FM.

The awards’ judges from the Western Development Commission, Roscommon Local Enterprise office and Shannonside FM also worked with training consultant Noel Connolly to shortlist the entries in the self-employment awards and the last four here will also face the judges’ questions in an exciting finale at Kilbride community centre on Friday night next to win a cash prize fund of 2500 euro.

One of the highlights of Friday night’s awards will be a special address by Dr Nicholas O’Shiel, Chief Executive of Omagh Enterprise Company and Chair of South West College and Carrie Ann Moran, an accomplished circular and sustainable fashion professional with a proven track record in delivering solutions to the fashion and textile industry

A professional video will also be shot for two of the lucky winners on Friday night as part of the new ARISE WEST project – a programme to support social enterprise in the West of Ireland. Martina Earley, CEO of Roscommon LEADER Partnership said: “We’re delighted to be showcasing the social enterprises in the west and to really tell the story of the vital services, the fabulous people, and the communities that keep social enterprises alive.”