20th AnniversaryThe Board of IRD Duhallow celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Company's Inaugural Meeting with a dinner in the James O'Keeffe Institute on Monday 14th December 2009. Chairperson, Michael Twohig outlined the milestones for each year of operation. These were impressive and included the creation of over 1,100 jobs, the establishment of 7 childcare facilities and bringing over €40 million in European and Exchequer investment into the area. Our DART services transported over 54000 passengers in 2009. Duhallow Community Food Services have delivered over 24,000 meals to the elderly and the Warmer Homes Scheme has insulated over 480 houses.
The Chairman presented framed photos of the James O'Keeffe Institute to representatives of the family of the late James O'Keeffe, Morty, Dan, Seamus and John were present on the night.
The members of the original James O'Keeffe Foundation also received presentations. As did the founder members of IRD Duhallow, Jerry Sheehan, Conor O'Flynn, Frank Healy, John Moynihan, Gerald Murphy, Michael Doyle, Derry Fitzpatrick, Ken Brennan, Seán O'Riordan, Donal Guiney and Michael Twohig, who had the foresight, courage and moreover vision to set up the company.
Present on the night was Michael Moynihan TD who surprised the Chairman Michael Twohig by presenting the original invitation which he received from Donal Guiney to attend the inaugural meeting in the Isle of Sky Hotel on 26th November 1989. Deputy Moynihan recalled the large attendance and the unveiling of the IRD Duhallow Prospectus.
IRD Duhallow would like to extend a sincere thank you to the following Board Members who retired from the Board in 2009, Patrick Buckley, Cliona Browne, Billy Murphy, Kitty O'Mahony, Tom Fleming and Noel Buckley. Each served on the Board of IRD Duhallow and various working groups diligently and on a voluntary capacity. We also thank Don Crowley who has retired from the Board of IRD Duhallow after eight years service, the last three years of which were in position of Chairperson of the organisation.
