End of an era in Limerick's business community as tourism boss departs

IT IS the end of an era at the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, with its general manager stepping down after more than 20 years in the role.

Karen Ronan has left the group, which exists to draw business events and trade tourism into Limerick, to take up the high-profile role of the chief executive of Galway Chamber.

The board of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau has started the recruitment process to appoint her successor.

Ms Ronan leaves the convention bureau after 22 years.

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In this time, she has grown and developed the organisation and strengthened the region’s position as a destination for business and sports tourism.

She has driven key initiatives, fostering strong industry partnerships, and securing major events that have contributed to the region's economic and tourism landscape.

In 2023, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau announced that it had attracted international conferences and events to the Shannon region worth €150m for the local economy.

Denise Brazil, treasurer of the bureau paid tribute to Ms Ronan’s work.

“Karen’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the Bureau and to the wider Shannon region. Under her leadership, the Bureau has successfully positioned the region as a competitive and attractive destination for incentive travel, conferences and sporting events. We thank her for her tireless efforts and wish her the very best.”