A FRIENDLY word of advice he received from a prominent Kerry businessman over 35 years ago has stayed with Cllr Niall O’Callaghan to such an extent that, three and a half decades on, he saw fit to quote it at a meeting of Kerry County Council this afternoon.
Commenting on the need for people to support local businesses in the lead-up to Christmas, and insisting that it is safe to enjoy a meal or a pint in Killarney, Cllr O’Callaghan recalled a brief conversation he had when he was setting out on his own life in business.
He made reference to respected hotelier Michael O’Donoghue, a native of Castleisland but living in Killarney for many years, who now spearheads the hugely successful O’Donoghue Ring Group with a chain of hotels and other business interests in Ireland and abroad.
Cllr O’Callaghan told his council colleagues: “I’ll always remember what he said to me and that was that you have to give if you’re going to get.
“That comment has stayed with me over the years and it shows if you’re not out there promoting yourself, and promoting Kerry, then you’re not going to win,” he said.
Cllr O’Callaghan, whose family owns and runs The Fáilte bar and restaurant in Killarney, said it is vitally important that the public supports local businesses coming into the crucial Christmas period.
He said “over a couple of million” has been lost in Killarney due to the Covid restrictions and it is having a devastating impact.
Cllr O’Callaghan, who was commenting during a report on the Kerry Economic Stakeholder Forum at today’s meeting held in Listowel, said he understands concerns about the virus and, in particular, the new Omicroin variant but he assured people that businesses are taking the necessary precautions and it is safe to go out for a meal or a pint.
