A second year economics student from Bantry has organised an Executive Summit  which will be addressed by chief executives from several top companies.

Barry O’Sullivan (pictured), who is taking economics at University College Cork, explained: “The reason I did this was because I want to create an annual event which would connect commercial leaders in Ireland, an event which would see global CEOs disseminate their insight, views and ideas to managing directors and executives in Ireland.

“I want to connect people with CEOs so that they can discuss issues that are happening in their business and in Ireland. I felt something like this wasn’t being done at this level and I set about to create it. I think an event like Executive Summit has the potential to be a continental gathering of executives and managing directors out of Dublin as opposed to just a national one.”

The student has funded Executive Summit 2019 with money from working as an intern during the summer at Teamwork and working five nights a week in a Cork city restaurant.

Among the speakers will be property developer Michael O'Flynn, Daryl Byrne of Euronext, Pat McCann of the Dalata Hotel Group, Housing Agency boss John O’Connor, Leinster Rugby chief Michael Dawson, and Jayne Ronayne, CEO of Tailvest.

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UCC president Prof Patrick O’Shea said: "It is wonderful to see students helping to shape national conversations, and Barry's entrepreneurship in creating this event is inspiring. I look forward to these conversations and future series of Executive Summit.”

The half-day event will take place on Friday April 5 in the Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin from 8am to 1pm. Places are limited to 150 and tickets can be reserved here.