€5,000 in Local Carlow Shopping Experiences are up for grabs courtesy of Carlow County Council and its partners County Carlow Chamber, Carlow Tourism, Bagenalstown Area Chamber of Commerce, Bagenalstown Improvement Group, Develop Tullow Association Clg and Carlow Regional Youth Services and St. Patricks GAA Tullow as part of County Carlow a Festive Family Experience and Lightfest.
Launching the competitions, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said, “I’m delighted that Carlow County Council is working in collaboration on the #shoplocalshopcarlow campaign including these fantastic competitions”. The Cathaoirleach continued to say "As we approach the festive season, it’s more important than ever to think local, shop local, and make sure we support the small businesses that form the heart of Carlow’s community. Each euro spent locally goes far beyond the till – it strengthens our local economy, sustains local jobs, and supports families right here in our county. By choosing Carlow shops and services, we are keeping our communities alive, connected, and vibrant.
The Cathaoirleach concluded by saying “This year, I’d like to remind everyone: when you shop local, don’t forget to shop local online too. Many of our local businesses have worked tirelessly to set up online platforms that make shopping convenient and accessible from the comfort of home. Supporting Carlow businesses doesn’t just bring festive cheer into our homes – it also fuels a circular economy where each transaction keeps the local area thriving. Every gift bought from a Carlow shop or online store means that the spirit of Christmas will stay in our own neighbourhoods, helping local enterprises to flourish and grow.”
Michael Quinn, President of County Carlow Chamber, echoed this sentiment, underlining the importance of supporting local businesses through the #ShopLocalShopCarlow campaign: “Shopping local not only boosts our economy but also enhances community connections. Every purchase made in Carlow strengthens our county’s resilience and helps create a vibrant, thriving community. The #ShopLocalShopCarlow campaign is a reminder to our residents to think local and support their neighbours this festive season.”
Explaining how the competitions work, Linda Culleton, Economic Development Officer in Carlow County Council said, “These competitions have 3 elements, the first is an 3 online quizzes one for each Municipal District where people can test their local knowledge and be in with a chance to win a €500 shopping voucher for a Carlow Business of their choice”. The second is a primary school’s competition where students across the three municipal districts are challenged to draw and colour their ideal festive family experience and post them in Santas specially commissioned post boxes in Carlow, Tullow & Bagenalstown. These boxes were made by the Mens Shed in Tullow. Finally, there is €500 of KCLR on-Air & Online general competitions as part of the programme”. All competitions close early December 2024 and winners will be announced on 18th December, 2024.
Speaking about the project , Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with Carlow County Council “We are delighted to spearhead these competitions with our partners and be working with the Nationalist, KCLR, Beat FM and Touchpoint Media to promote the Carlow Shopping Experience this season”.
Concluding , Kieran said “ I would encourage each of us to make the conscious choice to shop locally. Let’s celebrate the hard work, dedication, and passion of Carlow’s business owners, craftspeople, and service providers. Let’s give the gift of community, both in-store and online. By supporting local, we’re investing in a stronger, more prosperous Carlow for the new year and beyond."