Wicked Earl entertains again

Failte Ireland entertained UK travel agents with a surprise Georgian Feast served to them by liveried footman on silver platters in Mullingar.While the rest of Westmeath worries about the recession, British Tourism Agents were wined and dined in style from crystal decanters under sparkling chandeliers.The event took place in Belvedere house, where 11 UK based meeting and incentive travel agents here to experience The Irish National Hunt Horse Racing Festival in Punchestown received an invitation from the 'Wicked Earl of Belvedere' to join him for a late supper.Herbs gathered from the shores of Lough Ennell were used to flavour a meal that included whole roast salmon from local waterways.The resplendent meal was created by local chef Áine Gavigan of Uisneach Catering and helping to recreate an authentic experience were Derek Tuite and Seamus Daly, who dressed as footmen for the occasion.Commenting on the initiative, Kevin Kidney, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland in the East and Midlands said; 'This visit came as a wonderful opportunity for us in the East and Midlands to showcase our business offering. Our region has a real strength in terms of international and domestic access, conference and hotel facilities and unique gala venues.'Through Fáilte Ireland"s Business Tourism Campaign, we hope to address our brand appeal and improve international awareness of the range of facilities which are only a stones throw from Dublin.'