Mar 24, 2013
Ennis Ireland Delegation Day 1, March 15
We arrived into Shannon airport quite late on March 14th and then headed to the hotel to settle in, so I’m not including that in my report since we were pretty wiped after our flights. Although I will say we really enjoyed chatting with Bob, an Episcopal priest who was kind enough to meet up with our crew even though we were up quite late.
Let’s start with Day 1 of the delegation trip, which would prove to be more jam-packed than we could have expected.
Ennis/Phoenix Business Tourism Forum–We had a wonderful breakfast in the hotel with representatives from the town of Ennis and County Clare. We got to meet local leaders and brainstorm about ways we can advance relationships between Phoenix and Ennis.
Microsemi Corporation–It might sound strange given the types of activities John and I usually enjoy on our travels, but I was really looking forward to this tour of the Ennis plant of the Microsemi Corporation. We got to view all of the high-tech equipment the company uses to test electronic parts that will go on to be used in aerospace and military applications. This was a process I never could have imagined had I not seen it first hand.
Ennis Walking Tour–We were lead by a local Ennis resident to view historical and unique features throughout the town. One tidbit we learned was the etymology of the word “boycott,” which came from the quiet refusal to do business with Captain Charles Boycott due to his status as a landlord in County Clare.
Ennis, A Musical Town–We enjoyed a light lunch while two local experts gave a presentation about musical festivals in the area.
Town Council Mayoral Welcome and Reception at Waterpark House–This was tons of fun! Seemed like the whole town gathered in Waterpark house to hear St. Mary’s band play. Before they performed, we got to hear a group from a local area primary school. We enjoyed the music very much–especially watching the Irish kids’ expressions as they played. Then the Ennis Mayor Peter Considine presented Phoenix Councilman Mike Johnson with a Waterford crystal vase, and Johnson presented Considine with a Navaho friendship bowl.
Phil Coulter concert at glor–After a short rest we walked to the beautiful concert venue, glor Irish Music Center, a stone’s throw from our hotel and enjoyed a delightful concert by the Irish legend Phil Coulter, including his famous “The Town I Loved so Well.”
