On May 13th, the Western Development Commission hosted its first ever London event, Plug into the West, bringing together founders, business leaders, ecosystem partners, creatives and members of the Irish diaspora at the London Irish Centre in Camden.
The event showcased the innovation, ambition and momentum building across the West and Northwest of Ireland, while creating space for new conversations, partnerships and connections with London-based professionals and businesses.
Over one hundred people registered for the event, with a strong turnout on the night including founders, investors, entrepreneurs, members of the Irish community in London and stakeholders with strong personal and professional links to the region.
Opening the evening, WDC CEO Allan Mulrooney spoke about the changing story of the West and Northwest and the growing opportunity for people not just to return, but to reconnect with the region in new ways.
The event, MC’d by WDC’s Liam Horan featured a strong lineup of speakers from across enterprise, sport, innovation and the creative sectors, highlighting both the depth of talent across the region and the collaborative ecosystem that continues to grow around it.
Founder stories from Darren Burke and Conor Layden offered insight into building businesses in the region, while ecosystem leaders including Mary Rodgers, Niamh Costello, Julie Dowling and Marie Donnellan highlighted the growing support for innovation and entrepreneurship across the West and Northwest. Founder and organisational perspectives from James Doherty, Jane ní Dhulchaointigh, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices and other regional stakeholders creating impact across the region supported broader themes of enterprise growth.
Keynote speaker Willie Ruane spoke about leadership, community, and transformation, reflecting on Connacht Rugby’s own journey from survival mode to competing at the highest level of European rugby.
His message around community, belief and identity resonated strongly throughout the evening.
Speaking after the event, Paul Conneally of Slick+ reflected on the message shared by keynote speaker Willie Ruane:
“Rugby is not the ‘why’ of Connacht Rugby. The real ‘why’ is community. Nurturing it. Representing it. Giving people something to believe in and belong to.”
He added: “The West of Ireland is not just open for business. It is a brilliant place to build from. To partner with. To innovate in. To return to. To stay in. To launch global businesses from.”
The event also coincides with the WDC’s diaspora research launch, led by Dr Aisling Moroney, exploring how diaspora relationships continue to shape economic and community development across the region.
Reflecting on the event, Allan Mulrooney said:
“This was never about promoting one organisation. It was about bringing together the people, companies and stakeholders who are helping shape the future of the West and Northwest.
“What stood out on the night was the energy in the room and the level of engagement from people who want to stay connected to the region in meaningful ways. That matters, because relationships, networks and collaboration are going to play a huge role in what comes next for the West.”
The evening concluded with networking and traditional music, continuing conversations and strengthening connections across the Irish diaspora and wider regional ecosystem.
The WDC has confirmed that it hopes to build on the success of the inaugural event with further diaspora and regional ecosystem engagement initiatives in the future.
