Jim McGuinness the keynote speaker at Association of Irish Regions Training Seminar
The high-profile event is set to take place at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, bringing a wealth of leadership experience to the regional assembly delegates
Jim McGuinness will lead the charge as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Association of Irish Regions (AIR) Training Seminar, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, February 25 and 26.
The high-profile event is set to take place at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, bringing a wealth of leadership experience to the regional assembly delegates. Known for his transformative impact on Gaelic football and his strategic prowess, Donegal team manager McGuinness is expected to deliver a powerful message on performance, team building, and vision.
The two-day seminar serves as a critical gathering for the Northern and Western, Southern, and Eastern and Midland Regional Assemblies. This collaborative forum allows local and regional representatives to align their strategies and discuss the future of regional development across Ireland. By hosting the event in Buncrana, the AIR highlights the importance of regional hubs in driving national progress.
Supported by IPB Insurance, the program will cover a range of topics essential for modern regional governance. Attendees will participate in sessions focused on enhancing local government efficiency and implementing sustainable development goals at a regional level. The inclusion of such a prominent sporting and leadership figure as McGuinness underscores the association's commitment to bringing fresh, high-energy perspectives to public sector training.
Registration for the event is currently open to stakeholders and interested parties through Eventbrite or the official IrishRegions.ie website. With the seminar dates approaching quickly, organizers are preparing for a significant turnout of leaders dedicated to shaping the future of Ireland’s communities.
Buncrana-based Sinn Féin county councillor Jack Murray said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have secured this national conference for Inishowen next week — and especially pleased that Jim McGuinness has agreed to deliver the keynote address.
"Councillors from across Ireland will be based in Buncrana — at what is traditionally a quieter time of year for our tourism sector. That means real economic benefit for local hotels, restaurants, cafés and businesses. Those visiting will experience firsthand the unrivalled beauty of our corner of Ireland.
"From our stunning coastline to our welcoming communities, I have no doubt that they will leave with glowing reports of Inishowen as a visitor destination. But they will also see the challenges we face. Many will be surprised that you cannot travel here by train.
"Others will experience the standard of road infrastructure between here and the capital for themselves. Most will see defective block buildings for the first time. All in all, I look forward to welcoming council colleagues of every political persuasion. And I hope their time here helps create a deeper understanding of our so-called 'Forgotten County' — so that the next time I’m making the case loudly on Inishowen’s behalf, they’ll know exactly why."