Minister Jack Chambers and Economist Jim Power Headline Kinsale Lions Club Budget Breakfast — A Morning of Insight, Positivity and Community Spirit

The annual Budget Breakfast hosted by the Kinsale & District Lions Club drew a capacity crowd to the Kinsale Hotel & Spa Thursday 9th November, with more than 300 guests representing business, professional services, emergency services, sport and community organisations.The event was headlined by Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and renowned economist Jim Power, with Club President Cormac Fitzgerald welcoming attendees. Proceedings were expertly chaired by Gerry O’Dwyer. Minister Chambers delivered a forward-looking and pragmatic address outlining the priorities of Budget 2026, including capital investment. He also highlighted Ireland’s strong economic fundamentals and the need for resilience in light of international trade uncertainties.“This Budget is about securing jobs, investing in infrastructure and safeguarding our future,” said Minister Chambers. “Events like this, led by community organisations such as the Lions, show the power of civic leadership and collaboration.”
Economist Jim Power followed with his trademark clear and insightful commentary on Ireland’s economic outlook. His analysis on inflation, trade and SME competitiveness resonated strongly with the engaged and informed audience.“Kinsale always brings a special energy to this event,” said Power. “It’s rare to find such a positive, community-driven gathering that combines serious economic discussion with generosity of spirit.” President Cormac Fitzgerald warmly welcomed attendees from across the Defence Forces, An Garda Siochána, the National Ambulance Service, local businesses and professional networks including Chartered Accountants Ireland. He emphasised the power of positivity, collaboration and generosity in making a real difference at local level:
“This isn’t just a budget breakfast — it’s a gathering of people who care about their community. The energy and engagement in this room today show what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.”
Among the distinguished guests were Con Cadogan, Anne Marie O’Sullivan, Stephen Keohane — Chairman of Chartered Accountants Ireland Cork Society — and Pamela McCreedy, President of Chartered Accountants Ireland, underlining the strong partnership between business, the professions and civic society. Special guests also included Prof Conor Deasy and Prof Colin Hawkes of Cork University Hospital, who spoke movingly about the work of CUH Charity and the impact of community support on children and families affected by cancer.
Kinsale Community School students were delighted to meet the Minister & Jim Power and got a special mention at the event as the centre of education excellence. All proceeds from the event will go directly to CUH Charity’s paediatric cancer ward and to local families and community initiatives in Kinsale. The event also celebrated local sporting talent, including local cycling star Cormac O’Callaghan, and acknowledged the contribution of emergency services, business leaders and volunteers. The buzz, warmth and positivity in the room were repeatedly noted by attendees, with widespread praise for the strong community engagement, quality of discussion, and the collaborative spirit that defined the morning.
“In a world that can sometimes feel fractured, today was the opposite,” Fitzgerald said. “This was community in action — generous, engaged and united around a shared commitment to make a difference.” A massive thank you was extended to:
• All members of Kinsale & District Lions Club,
• The many community groups and volunteers,
• Sponsors and local businesses,
• And everyone who contributed time, energy and resources to make the event such a success.
The Kinsale Lions Club was also recently honoured with the Club Excellence Award from Lions Clubs International, recognising its outstanding service, leadership and impact over more than three decades. The budget breakfast briefing organising committee were thrilled with the positive reaction to this sell out event which surpassed all expectations.

Photo: John Allen