Prominent government minister to speak at Kilkenny event this week

The Fine Gael politician was first elected to the Dáil in 2013

Published 5th May 2026, 15:00 BST Helen McEntee The Fine Gael politician was first elected to the Dáil in 2013 Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence Helen McEntee will be hosted by the Kilkenny Chamber at the Newpark Hotel on Thursday.

The event will be the first President’s Dinner hosted by the organisation’s new President Claire McInerney Brown.

Speaking about the visit, Ms McInerney Brown said: “At a time of rapid global economic change, having the Minister directly address local business leaders offers a crucial opportunity to discuss trade strategies, SME support, and investment in regional infrastructure.”

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“This engagement reinforces Kilkenny’s position as a vibrant hub for enterprise, allowing our members to directly influence the national agenda on competitiveness and export growth,” she added.

The event will take place from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with dinner followed by a fireside chat with Minister McEntee with KCLR 96FM’s John Purcell.

Tickets are €60 for members of the Chamber and €70 for non-members plus 13.5% VAT.

Related topics: Helen McEntee Kilkenny Chamber Newpark Hotel Kilkenny Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.