Empowering Business Resilience – Inspired by the community spirit of the GAA and the strength of Carlow’s homegrown business network, the Club Carlow Business Summit will bring together some of Ireland’s most influential voices in sport and business for a unique gathering that celebrates resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
Delivered in partnership between Club Carlow, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office, the summit will feature high-profile conversations with legendary GAA figures Brian Cody and Jim Gavin, alongside leading entrepreneurs Denis O’Brien and Anne Heraty.
Running from 11am–3pm, the programme will blend fireside chats, networking, and business insights, creating a platform for business leaders and the wider Carlow community to connect, collaborate, and share ambition.
Speaking about the event David Walsh, Chair of Club Carlow, said: “The Club Carlow Business Summit reflects what we believe in as a county – resilience, community, and pride. Those attending will leave more ambitious for 2026 and with a toolbox of practical tools to deliver that ambition. More importantly, they will understand the ingredients required to foster a winning culture to sustain that growth”
Launching the event , Cllr. Daniel Pender , Leas-Chathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “The strength of Carlow lies in its people – in our ability to connect, to support each other, and to remain resilient in the face of challenges. The Club Carlow Business Summit is about powering those networks, harnessing our community spirit, and building a culture where businesses and communities can thrive together.”
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council, said: “At its heart, business is about people – building connections, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities to work together. Events like the Club Carlow Business Summit act as a catalyst for those connections, supporting our business eco-system while reflecting the same spirit of community and teamwork we see in sport. It is through these relationships that real growth and resilience are achieved.”
Ashling Ward, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, added: “This summit is not just an event – it’s a celebration of Carlow’s spirit. We want every guest to leave inspired by the stories, the connections, and the sense of belonging to something bigger – a winning culture that unites sport, business, and community.”
Booking Details
To book your place at the Club Carlow Business Summit 2025, contact Club Carlow on 085-8098211 or email operations.carlow@gaa.ie.
For Media Queries Contact Kieran Comerford on 086/8252037 or David Walsh on 087-6350840
Club Carlow Business Summit
- Creating a Winning Culture in Sport & Business
Empowering Business Resilience
Inspired by the community spirit of the GAA and the strength of Carlow’s homegrown business network, we are proud to present the Club Carlow Business Summit delivered by a partnership between Club Carlow, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet & Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office.
This dynamic event will take place on Friday, 14 November 2025 at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow.It will feature leading voices from both the GAA and business sectors, coming together to explore how collaboration, resilience, and community engagement can drive economic and social progress.
Our goal is to spark meaningful connections between business leaders and the wider Carlow community—fostering a culture of shared growth and local pride.
What is the Club Carlow Business Summit?
The Club Carlow Business Summit is a unique gathering that brings together two of Ireland’s most powerful communities—Creating a Winning Culture in Sport & Business—to explore what it means to be truly resilient in the face of adversity and change. Drawing inspiration from the unshakable spirit of the competitive sports and the dynamic drive of Ireland’s business leaders, this event is designed to spark conversation, connection, and collective ambition.
Programme:
Programme: 11am-3pm
Guest Arrival & Registration / Welcome refreshments and check-in
Welcome to Club Carlow – Business Summitt
David Walsh – Chair, Club Carlow
Coilín O’Reilly – Chief Executive, Carlow County Council
Starter Served
Fireside Chats – Sporting Excellence Featuring Brian Cody and Jim Gavin
Main Course Served
Auction
Desert Served
Fireside Chat - Business Leadership & Resilience featuring Denis O’Brien and Anne Heraty
Closing Remarks - David Walsh – Chair, Club Carlow
To Book Your place contact Club Carlow 085-8098211 or e-mail: operations.carlow@gaa.ie
Introducing Summit Panellists
Brian Cody
Brian Cody is a former teacher and principal but is best known for his devotion to Kilkenny hurling. Born in Sheestown, County Kilkenny, Cody’s hurling career has been nothing short of extensive, securing All Ireland medals and titles as a player but also as a coach for the Kilkenny Senior Hurling team, who enjoyed unparalleled success with Cody at the helm.
“Put no limits on where you can go, no limits on what you can do and no limits on what you can achieve”
Cody, who was the longest serving manager, stepped down in 2022, but he always had the true spirit of a leader, evidenced by his assurance that it is not about ‘I’ the leader, but ‘we’ the team. Cody has received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from DCU. Upon his retirement as manager, the Kilkenny County board described Cody as “the greatest manager in the history of hurling”.
Jim Gavin
Jim Gavin is a former Dublin football player, manager and coach. Hailing from the banks of the Grand Canal in Clondalkin, he garnered great success for Dublin during his time at the helm, including awards in All-Irelands, Leinster and Allianz leagues. He led Dublin to an historic five-in-a-row between 2015 and 2019 before retiring as manager after seven years as head coach and after 26 years of his involvement. He has not turned his back away from football completely however, as he chairs the Football Review Committee 2024/2025.
“When we reflect on a match, we always look at the opportunities for growth. What was our current reality...where can we improve? That continuum of growth builds resilience. Failure is only when you give up.”
Gavin is currently Chief Operations Officer of the Irish Aviation Authority, with an Airline Transport Pilots License, showing that his achievements do not stop at football. In acknowledgement of his successes, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Dublin City University. He was also awarded the Freedom of Dublin City by the Dublin City Council in 2020 for “his contribution to public life and service to his county and country both on and off the pitch”.
Sport & Business - Creating a Winning Culture
Sport and business both thrive on high performance, resilience, teamwork and a clear sense of purpose. These qualities create and maintain a winning culture. Through sport and business, we can explore how shared values and complementary strengths can be used to foster environments where excellence is sustained, people are empowered and purpose drives performance. Sport teaches discipline and motivation, while business provides strategy and resources. Together, they create a winning culture which drives success, not just for organisations, but for society at large.
Denis O’Brien
Denis O’Brien is an Irish entrepreneur who has founded many businesses and actively invests in a variety of sectors. Denis has investments across several sectors including telecoms, technology, media, property, sports and leisure, utility services, healthcare and renewable energy. Mr. O’Brien is Founder and Director of Digicel Group, a telecommunications company operating in 25 markets in the Caribbean and Central America. His leisure, hotel and hospitality interests include Quinta Do Lago resort in Portugal and the Camiral resort in Catalunya which will host the Ryder Cup in 2031. He is a former recipient of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and chaired the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. He also serves as a United Nations Broadband Commissioner for Sustainable Development. He is the Founding Patron of the Digicel Foundation which has built 198 schools in Haiti and 360 schools in Papua New Guinea. He received the Clinton Global Citizen Award, the National Order of Honour and Merit and the title of Goodwill Ambassador for his charitable work in Haiti. In 2021 he founded The Repair Campaign which is a social movement for reparatory justice in 15 Caribbean countries. The Repair Campaign is part of intensifying efforts to urge British and European governments, institutions, organizations and individuals to acknowledge their role in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans.
“The model of capitalism has to change. If you want to build a sustainable business in an emerging market, you’ve got to fund impactful community projects, particularly in education.”
Anne Heraty
Anne Heraty, one of Ireland’s most successful businesswomen, founded CPL Resources in 1989. She went on to make history in 1999 by becoming the first female CEO of an Irish company listed on the stock exchange. Heraty has an extensive list of achievements to date, including ‘EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006’, the Business & Finance ‘Business Person of the Year 2014,’ and the Irish Times ‘Business Person of the Year 2021’. More recently, Heraty was awarded the IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
“I am immensely proud of how far CPL has come since its foundation and that growth was enabled by the deeply talented and committed team I have been privileged to work with.”
“To me, the real achievement has been pulling a great team together and creating a very strong culture with high values within Cpl.”
After 33 years at the helm of CPL, Heraty stepped down from her role as Chief Executive Officer in 2021. She is committed to entrepreneurship and supporting Irish businesses and is currently chairperson of IBEC, Sherry Fitzgerald and Barretstown and non-executive director of the Kingspan group. She is the founding member of Endeavour in Ireland and is Chair of the Board of Directors of LIFT Ireland, a social enterprise aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland.
Event Partners
Club Carlow
Club Carlow is a dedicated patrons’ support group committed to strengthening the future of Carlow GAA. Through fundraising and community engagement, they provide vital resources for hurlers and footballers, ensuring access to top-class training facilities and development opportunities. With a strong focus on inclusion, excellence, and tradition, Club Carlow celebrates the passion and dedication of all who wear the county jersey.
Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet
Established in 1999 by local business leaders, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet supports enterprise-led workforce development across the region. Their mission is to enhance the competitiveness, innovation, and productivity of local businesses by delivering high-impact upskilling and reskilling programmes tailored to employer needs.
Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office
Carlow County Council is responsible for delivering services, supporting communities, and driving economic, social, and cultural development across County Carlow.
Its Local Enterprise Office operated in partnership with Enterprise Ireland provides a comprehensive suite of supports for start-ups and growing businesses. From advisory services and feasibility grants to training, mentoring, and financial supports, LEO Carlow acts as a first-stop-shop for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Its mission is to help local businesses become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped for sustainable growth.
Club Carlow Business Summit Brochure
