THE RIVERSIDE Park Hotel was packed to capacity on Friday evening as Enniscorthy & District Chamber of Commerce celebrated 25 years of business, enterprise and tourism achievements.

The evening began with a mulled wine reception and the stunning sounds of Enniscorthy Choral Society, before the hundreds of guests were treated to a five-course meal, created using the best of local produce.

This emphasis on supporting local business was continued with the offering of goody bags to each ticket holder, which contained vouchers for various services in the town.

In attendance at the prestigious event were business leaders and former Town Clerks, County Managers and Town Council Chairmen, and among those who addressed the large audience were former European President, journalist and RTE Presenter Pat Cox, former politician and radio presenter Ivan Yates, Enniscorthy Municipal District Chairperson Barbara Ann Murphy, President of Enniscorthy Chamber Michael Bennett, Government Chief Whip Minister Paul Kehoe and Enniscorthy native Mark Redmond, Chief Executive of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ireland.

Several presentations were made on the night to founding, former and present members with a special mention for Sam McCauley and Pat Kickham, who originally instigated the Chamber back in 1989 with a view to promote the town.

Furthermore, Mr. Bennett made presentations to Cllr. Murphy and County Manager Tom Enright while bouquets of flowers were presented to Cathy Cox, Jacqui Hynes, Elaine Hanley, Maree Lyng and Margot Banville Hogan.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Cox said he was delighted to be invited and extended felicitations to the Chamber for the trojan work they have done for the past quarter of a century.