Clare County Council wins Association of Irish Festival Events award as most supportive Local Authority in Ireland for its involvement in the Ennis Book Club Festival.

Clare County Council has received the first ever AOIFE (Association of Irish Festival Events) award as most supportive Local Authority in Ireland. The results were announced on November 9th at the Annual three-day AOIFE Conference in Ballinasloe. Clare County Council was nominated for its involvement in the Ennis Book Club Festival. The inaugural book festival took place last March and the 2008 event will run from 29th February to 2nd March.

Founded in March 1993, AOIFE is an all-island voluntary network organisation that brings together organisers of festivals and events in Ireland, suppliers to the festival and event sector and policy-makers and funders to act as a forum for the sharing of best practice ideas and to articulate common areas of concern and to favourably influence government policies in relation to the sector. The new Awards Platform is designed to showcase and recognise the best practices found in the festivals and events industry in Ireland.

The inaugural Awards programme featured four main categories – Entertainment, Technical Service, Suppliers, Sponsors, and, critically, most supportive Local Authority. A panel of industry/sector peers headed up by an International Jury Chairperson selected the finalists and allocated the GONGS accordingly. Commenting on the launch of the Irish Festival and Event Supplier Awards event, AOIFE Chair Maria Moynihan stated, “With such a busy Showcase and Festive Expo activity day, it is important that we as a sector start to formally recognise good value, professionalism and innovation of the myriad of people who provide all us with services and entertainment.”

Mary Kenneally, committee member of the Ennis Book Club Festival explained “The support provided to the Ennis Book Club Festival by Clare County Library and Clare County Council is a great example of how Community and Local Authorities can work together. Their commitment to providing ongoing support is vital to the success of the Festival.” Details on the 2008 Festival can be viewed at http://www.ennisbookclubfestival.com

15th November 2007

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