Brexit Masterclass for the Lough Rea Hotel and Spa

The theme of the event will focus on the impact of Brexit on the business community in Galway, both indigenous and multi- national and the event will be particularly noteworthy as there is an informal leaders’ summit on Brexit next week.

Tony Connelly was born in County Antrim in 1964. He has worked as a journalist for the Irish Independent, United Press International (UPI) and Time Magazine. In 1994, Tony joined RTÉ as a radio and TV reporter. He is the winner of two ESB national media awards (1998 and 2001) in the TV news category. Tony was appointed RTÉ’s Europe Correspondent in 2001 to cover EU and European Affairs from Brussels. He has also covered conflicts in Rwanda, Angola, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Georgia and Gaza. He is currently RTÉ’s Europe Editor.

“Over next eight weeks Brexit will enter its defining moment,” Tony Connelly said. “At stake are the Withdrawal Agreement, the outlines of future trade relationship, the Irish border, and Theresa May’s future as prime minister and leader of the Conservative Party. I’m looking forward to explaining how negotiations have evolved, what are the key obstacles to a deal, how the Irish government has played its hand and to explore the implications for local businesses.”

The broadcaster and historian, John Bowman, will moderate the event. “It is because there are so many unknowns about Brexit that this event is important,” he said. “Two things we do know: that Brexit’s impact on Ireland and the Irish-British relationship will be profound; and that in Tony Connelly, from his vantage point in Brussels, we have one of the best-informed commentators and analysts on the subject.”

The owner of The Lough Rea Hotel and Spa, Pat McDonagh, said he was delighted that an event of this nature was taking place to highlight the impact that Brexit could potentially have on Galway in particular. “We have invested significantly as a group in Galway over the past few years and I have consistently said that Galway is a very proactive city in which to do business,” he said. “Brexit already is and will continue to be a challenge for us all here in Galway. I believe that this event will provide the best informed and most pragmatic advice as I believe that Tony Connelly is the best informed and the most pragmatic commentator on Brexit. The advice will focus on how Brexit may affect the Galway area as a major urban hub and centre for international industry. As a very significant farming region the event at The Lough Rea Hotel and Spa will also give Agri-industry an opportunity to hear an undoubted expert speak on Brexit and I believe there is no better or more experienced moderator than John Bowman to facilitate this flow of advice and information,” Mr McDonagh concluded.

Should you require a table at this event please contact the Lough Rea Hotel and Spa at 091 880088.