*Margaret O’Brien with Seán Lally.
Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025, The Clare Echo spoke to Margaret O’Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber.
Job position: CEO of Ennis Chamber
Lives: Ennis
Pets: Had dogs, but no pets currently
Favourite thing about Clare: Variety of scenery
Least favourite thing about Clare: The weather
One thing you would change about Clare: The weather!
What was your first job?
My first student holiday job was in the kitchen of the ‘County Hospital’ in Ennis. My first grown-up job was as Account Executive for a London-based Public Relations firm.
Tell me about how you became the CEO of the Ennis Chamber?
By chance! I originally applied for a 3-day per week role as Festival & Events Co-ordinator for Ennis, but somehow within 12 months that role morphed into a full-time Ennis Chamber CEO role!
What has been the biggest challenge in organising the Clare Business Excellence Awards?
This is my seventh time running these awards – the challenge, as always, is to attract new businesses to enter each year to keep things fresh and competitive.
If you won the lotto, what’s the first thing you would do?
Make a plan. It would mark the first time I made a plan about money!
What’s your go-to book recommendation?
‘Pachinko’ by Min Jin Lee – it’s an epic novel that follows the lives of a Korean family through several generations. It’s a story of immigration, the prejudices faced by the family when they arrived in Japan, their struggles, their tragedies and successes. It is a beautifully written, compelling read and a cultural eye-opener for me. I couldn’t put it down. I have bought copies of Pachinko for several friends over the years and they all enjoyed it (or at least that’s what they told me!)
Do you have any secret talents?
When I was young, I could turn my fingers back to front – the joys of being double-jointed (went down very well as an in-class distraction in primary school…. Did someone say ADHD?) Unfortunately, these days it’s a recipe for arthritis!
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
To play the piano.
Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
Too difficult to narrow this to one person. I have been inspired by many people, from my independent-minded mother to teachers and work colleagues. But perhaps those who have inspired and continue to inspire me most are friends and family who battle illness with grit and courage.
What is the significance of the Clare Business Excellence Awards?
I believe businesses are genuinely chuffed to win an award that recognises their achievement on their home turf.
What is your favourite part about being CEO of the Ennis Chamber?
The variety, constant juggling!
What experience in a previous job helps you in your job now?
I originally trained as a journalist, worked in public relations, and as an events and conference organiser. Those previous roles have provided me with a very good grounding for this job.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?
Get serious.
How do you stay motivated in your job?
Every day is different. I’m constantly coming up with new ideas or initiatives to keep me motivated. At this point, can I please take this opportunity to apologise to my long-suffering colleague Margaret Whitworth – in her words: “An idea is just that – we don’t have to do it!”
What has been your proudest moment as CEO so far?
Keeping the show on the road, despite a slew of challenges, including COVID.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Blissfully retired (hopefully with a lotto win).
The Clare Business Excellence Awards take place on November 27th at The Inn at Dromoland.
