The people of Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford and Cavan are taking the task of creating employment in rural areas into their own hands in an effort to entice their emigrants home.

Initiated by Gabriel D’arcy of Bord na Móna, the effort is being pursued under the umbrella of the Upper Shannon-Erne Future Economy project where a group of local business people, sports club members and community interests aim to generate economic activity in the Upper Shannon-Erne corridor by attracting investment into those particular areas from abroad. They plan to arrange such investment by utilising the extensive network of GAA clubs abroad – and their contacts.

A “Play your Part – Help Bring Your People Home” meeting is being hosted in the Longford Arms Hotel on 8 May at 8pm at which 4-500 people are expected. The initiative has the backing of the four GAA County Committees, County Councils as well as the strong support of Bord na Móna and Connect Ireland. On the night guest speakers will describe how the initiative will use networks at home and abroad to create employment in the four counties.

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Better yet again there are going to be real live jobs at this event. Four companies from each of the four counties will be recruiting on the night.

Those who can help bring employment to the region are looking at serious financial reward for doing so. The Succeed in Ireland initiative which is run by Connect Ireland and the IDA rewards those who make introductions to connections they have within companies – to the tune of €1,500-€3,000 per sustainable job.

The more serious matters of the night will be followed by a panel discussion on the forthcoming championship hosted by Ciaran Mullooly, RTE midlands correspondent.