Major Cork event brings together national figures to examine Budget 2027 and champion ‘Trusted Business Leadership’ while raising vital funds for local charities.
KINSALE, Co. Cork, 9 October 2026: More than 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community delegates gathered in Kinsale this morning for the Kinsale & District Lions Club Budget Breakfast Briefing 2027. Held at the Kinsale Hotel & Spa, the premier business, and charity event brought together representatives across government, enterprise, the professions, education, healthcare, and the wider community.
Headlined by Minister Jack Chambers TD and independent economist Jim Power, the briefing examined the key measures of Budget 2027, Ireland’s broader economic outlook, national competitiveness, and the evolving challenges and opportunities facing SMEs.
Held under this year’s theme of “Trusted Business Leadership,” the annual event was co-founded by Cormac Fitzgerald FCPA FCA and Jim Power to connect national economic debate with the practical realities facing Irish businesses.
Speaking at the event, Cormac Fitzgerald, Event Chair, Lions Club member, past President, and ISME Board Member, emphasized the vital relationship between commerce and community:
"Strong businesses help build strong communities, and strong communities create places where businesses can prosper. Seeing more than 300 delegates come together to discuss the future of Irish business, while supporting our local community, captures exactly what this event is about - effective business leadership with a positive local impact."
Guest speakers
The morning featured a high-profile lineup of guest speakers, including:
Cróna Clohisey
Director of Advocacy, Chartered Accountants Ireland
Pat Lordan
Former Head of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau
Professor Conor Deasy
Cork University Hospital
David Swinburne
Chair of Chartered Accountants Ireland Cork Society
Communications expert Ann-Marie O’Sullivan hosted and moderated an Executive Fireside Conversation on Trusted Business Leadership, featuring Minister Chambers, Jim Power, Cróna Clohisey, and Cormac Fitzgerald. The panel session was also recorded for The Other Hand, Jim Power’s popular business, and economics podcast.
Raising vital funds for local charities
Organised by the Kinsale & District Lions Club, all event proceeds directly benefit local charitable initiatives. Since its inception, the Budget Breakfast Briefing has raised over €100,000 for the local community. Proceeds from this year’s charity raffle will support Kinsale Youth Support Services (KYSS) in its ongoing work promoting positive mental health throughout the region.