The history of Clonmel Chamber

(Mr. John F. O’Gorman, the first president of Clonmel Chamber of Commerce in 1925)

Clonmel Chamber is the largest business organisation in South Tipperary. We are actively involved in creating and maintaining a positive business environment in the area – one that enables organisations to develop more opportunities, generate additional revenue and create further employment locally. Since 1925 we have worked on behalf of members to create a dynamic business environment. Today, whilst our mission remains the same, the range of services that we can offer to businesses has vastly increased.

Clonmel Chamber was established in April 1925 by a group of local business people including John F. O’Gorman and William Magner.  The latter has since gone on to achieve global name recognition as the name of a world famous cider manufactured in Clonmel.

Over the years the Chamber has championed the cause of local business with public bodies and the general public.  One of its most notable achievements was in the 1960’s when it undertook a project to attract a multinational business to Clonmel to create employment.  At a meeting of the board of the Chamber on the evening of January 26th 1965, at the Ormonde Hotel, the President, Mr Brian P. Duffy, informed the attendees that Scheisser had agreed to open a factory in Clonmel. Minute books dating back to the early 1950’s were recently discovered during renovations and show that many of the same issues that affect businesses were prevalent at the time.  These include parking and the need for a multi storey car park in the town centre.

Clonmel Chamber of Commerce was incorporated as a limited company in November 1985 and in the ensuing years the board and members undertook to provide a permanent premises for the organisation and a full time executive.  We are one of only a small number of Chambers in Ireland to own their own building.  Our Sarsfield Street base now houses 4 full time Chamber staff as well as staff from the Carers Association.

Maureen McNamara has dedicated a large part of her life to the Chamber on a voluntary level and it was fitting that she would become the first full time executive at the organisation.  She has been succeeded since by William O’Donnell, Elaine McGowran, Frank O’Donoghue, Brian Cleary and Mark Small.

​David Shanahan is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Clonmel & County Tipperary Chamber of Commerce.