CLARE County Council has welcomed the announcement by Retail Excellence Ireland that Ennis has been shortlisted to retain its title of Ireland’s Friendliest Place.
Ennis, Carrick-on-Shannon, Limerick, Slane and Waterford will all be vying for the top spot come November when the winner will be announced at a sell-out black-tie event in Killarney.
Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland, run the prestigious awards to drive standards and celebrate excellence in retail operations and town centres throughout the country.
Last year Ennis won the prestigious title at the Retail Excellence Awards which was attended by more than 700 Irish retail industry executives. The awards are the biggest and best supported event in the Irish retail industry calendar.
Commenting on the announcement Lorraine Higgins Chief Executive of Retail Excellence said “Ireland is renowned the world over for its warm welcome and hospitality to all. Nothing conveys this more effectively than our retailers operating throughout every village, town and city in the country.
“This is exactly why it is important to mark the significant contribution being made by the industry and city and county councils in driving standards and keeping our town centres vibrant.
The news has been welcomed by Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy, who said, “The awarding of Friendliest Location status to Ennis has been particularly beneficial to the retail and hospitality sectors in Ennis in promoting the town as a shopping and visitor destination.
“It has also been a source of pride for everyone associated with Ennis, the profile of which has been raised significantly by the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2016 and 2017, as well as the Munster Fleadh this summer.”
