MOVERS and shakers from Carlow's business community took time out and got together on Friday for the Chamber of Commerce main event, the end-of-year business lunch.

Director of Carlow's international security company Netwatch, Mr Walsh was pleased to see a full house.

' The demand for tickets was so great that it outstripped what was available,' he said. 'Today's highlight is that we are all coming together to celebrate what is good about the county in an atmosphere of friendship.'

Facing what is expected to be one of the toughest budgets in the history of the state next week he called on the business community to stand strong. He highlighted a spirit of fortitude around Carlow which he believed was evident following the floods.

'I'm a firm believer in the power of positive thinking, surround yourself with positive thinking people and good things will happen.'

He was delighted to announce a cut of four per cent in rates in Bagenalstown following a decision at a gathering of the Town Council the night before and this met with applause from around the room.

'Tom Barry and all in Carlow council the bar has been raised,' he said with a smile.

The chamber made presentations to the councils recently calling for a four per cent cut in rates.

Following a speech by sponsors of the lunch (Merck, Sharp and Dohme) by facilities manager Kevin Dempsey, everyone was treated to an impromptu performance by tenor Des Willoughby.

Media mogul Denis O'Brien was the special guest at the event and he gave an interesting talk on the challenges facing businesses in the current cconomic climate.

- Lynda CONNOLLY