Marie-Claire plays for EU ministers

A young Ballinagore musician had the opportunity to display her talents in front of all the ministers responsible for the economy, industry, internal market, research, innovation, and space from all EU member states last week.

Harpist Marie-Claire Maxwell represented Westmeath at a very high level. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke chaired an informal and formal EU Competitiveness Council meeting as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency. At the meeting, he led discussions centred on the Single Market, boosting enterprise, and driving European economic growth.

The Competitiveness Council reports to the Governments on key economic productivity issues.

Minister Burke commended the musician on her performance: “Thank you to talented young harpist Marie-Claire Maxwell from Ballinagore for her wonderful performance at the opening dinner of my informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council,” he said.

Minister Burke said the meeting was very productive: “As part of Ireland’s EU Presidency, I was delighted to host 26 ministerial colleagues from across Europe at Dublin Castle to discuss strengthening Europe’s economy, cutting red tape and creating jobs.

"It was great to have Marie-Claire and her mother Aoife representing Westmeath. I look forward to showcasing the very best of Westmeath and Longford to our European colleagues in the months ahead.”