IIBN - International Irish Business Network

On Wednesday, 21st July, IIBN celebrated its third annual Summer BBQ at The Rotunda restaurant at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London. The weather was exceptionally kind and over 100 IIBN members attended the BBQ which was held outside with stunning views of the Battlebridge Basin waterfront.

Kate Walsh, a journalist with the Sunday Times was in attendance and wrote the following piece:

Irish eyes smiling through the gloom by Kate Walsh

‘It wasn’t a good week for Ireland – Moody’s downgraded its sovereign bonds on Monday – so it was with some trepidation that I attended an IIBN (Irish International Business Network) bash on Wednesday. The atmosphere, however, was more wake than funeral.

Orla Kiely, the fashion designer, rubbed shoulders with Liam Brady, the former footballer, and Frank Salmon, the wealthy owner or CMS Peripherals.

Eamon Lyons, the property developer and founder of Tudor Homes, was in attendance. The Irish, it seems, are building things again: Tudor is responsible for the new egg-shaped towers next to Old Street roundabout on the fringe of the City.

As well as building, they have started spending anew. Almost everyone I spoke to is going to Galway Races this week. And, instead of slumming it on Ryanair, they’re taking private jets from City airport…..Er, what downgrade?’

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