New Athlone food network hosts first AGM

The newly-formed Athlone food network will shine a light on the superb quality and choice of food in the Athlone area. Under a steering group led by chairperson Deirdre Adamson (Glasson Lakehouse) and vice-chairperson John Coffey (Thyme Restaurant) the fledgling network has secured funding to begin its programme.

The inaugural AGM will be held on Monday, June 28, at 11am and everyone in a food production or service business within the Athlone area is invited to attend. It will be a virtual event, held on Zoom.

“Athlone has amazing food and food producers - we just need to let Ireland know about it,” said chairperson Deirdre Adamson, “This network will draw together everyone involved so we can send out a cohesive message all over the country. One of the first steps will be to produce a comprehensive food and producers directory.”

Over the last few months, a series of five workshops have given people in every sector of the food industry a chance to have their voice heard. This included producers and markets, restaurants, gastro pubs, cafés, hotels and tours or activities with a food connection. The initial database includes almost 100 businesses and the network hopes to add significantly to this. The network has also developed a compelling food story for Athlone, which will form the basis of promotional activity.

This exciting new initiative to promote Athlone food was instigated by Athlone Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Destination Athlone and funded by Westmeath County Council. Anyone interested in attending the AGM is asked to register on www.athlonechamber.ie, email info@athlonechamber.ie or check social media.

Funding has been secured from the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA).