Claire McDonough, the newly elected President of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, said she hopes to carry out the role with the same enthusiasm and integrity as her predecessor.
Claire, who is co-owner of La Maison, Interior Design Studio was appointed president at the chamber’s Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday night.
She takes over from outgoing President, Fionnuala Rabbitt of Highland Radio.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Fionnuala Rabbitt for her hard work and dedication over the past 12 months,” Claire said.
“Fionnuala was faced with a health challenge during the year and yet she was still available for all the events during the year.
“I am committed to carrying out this role with the same enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism”.
Claire has been a long time member of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce. She most recently served as Vice President and has served on the Chamber Council since 2017.
Originally from Greencastle, Claire has been living in Letterkenny since 1999. With a Masters in Local and Regional Development she worked in community development in Inishowen before joining Donegal County Council as a Community and Enterprise Development Officer.
Claire always had an interest in the design of interior and exterior environments and she and her business partner Anne opened La Maison in 2005.
Over the next few years Claire trained as an Interior Designer in response to customer demand.
La Maison now comprises an Interior Design studio, a comprehensive fabric library and a curtain manufacturing workshop working with clients from home and abroad on a wide range of personal and commercial projects.
Claire is married to Daragh and they have two children, Grace and Finn.
“It is an honour to be elected as Chamber President by my colleagues in the Chamber Council,” Claire
said.
“I have really enjoyed my role on the Chamber Council over the last number of years working with colleagues in shaping the strategy and future of Letterkenny Chamber.”
On handing over the Presidential Chain Fionnuala Rabbitt said: “It has been a real privilege for me to serve as Chamber President over the last year.
“I would like to wish Claire well in her role. We are delighted to welcome another female Chamber President in our 59 year history, we know Claire will be an asset to our Chamber going forward.”
Apart from a new President the Chamber also elected a new Chamber Council which as always consists of members from a wide variety of business sectors, who meet on a monthly basis and who are responsible for steering the policies, activities and initiatives of the Chamber.
Chamber Council 2024/25: President – Claire McDonough (La Maison); Past President – Fionnuala Rabbitt (Highland Radio); Phil Boyle (Twins Estates); Bernard Gallagher (CBM Signs); Shane Grant (PGIM); Annette Houston (FM Services Group); Chris Lynch (TCS); Michael Margey (ATU); Brian McCormick (Brian McCormick Sports); Gerard McCormick (Magees Pharmacy); Clare McNickle (Clare Clothing); Kristine Reynolds (Reynolds & Associates); Jimmy Stafford (Bank of Ireland); Karoline Sweeney (Castlegrove Country House Hotel); Leonard Watson (Watson Menswear) John Watson (Watson Hire).
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