Geraldine Killian, of Athlone-based company The Lunch Bag, pictured at the entrepreneurial retreat in Singapore along Charles Cosgrave, of Village Vets, and Frank O'Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland.

Athlone entrepreneurs return from Singapore event

Ninety of Ireland's top entrepreneurs, including several from Athlone, recently returned from Singapore where they attended the annual EY 'Entrepreneur Of The Year' CEO retreat.

The delegation included this year’s 24 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists, including Ray Nangle and Geraldine Killian of Athlone-based school lunches company The Lunch Bag.

Neil Skeffington from Athlone, the CEO of Novelplast Teoranta, and Brian Fahey from Athlone, CEO of My Compliance Office, were also among the finalists who took part in the event.

A description of the annual retreat said it aimed to support, inspire, and challenge entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level.

The week-long event included speeches from Jim Rowan, the Volvo CEO, and Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook.

Aine Kikenny Riley and Athlone's Neil Skeffington, of Novelplast Teoranta. Photo by Naoise Culhane

While in Singapore the entrepreneurs participated in a comprehensive programme of networking, executive coaching, and education.

Their itinerary also included meetings with some of Singapore’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Commenting on behalf of herself and her business partner, Ray Nangle, CEO of The Lunch Bag, the company's Managing Director Ger Killian said: "The EY 'Entrepreneur Of The Year' CEO retreat was more than either of us could have ever imagined or hoped for.

"World class speakers, interactive panel discussions and site visits challenged every business concept we had. But above all this, the camaraderie and networking opportunities with EY Alumni was just exceptional.

"We are so looking forward to building on these relationships and harnessing all that knowledge for future growth, both personally and professionally."