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By Tom Shiel The important task of selling Knock International Airport to the world has been dealt a blow this week with the surprise announcement that Mr. Joe Gilmore has resigned after about eight months at the helm of a specialist marketing company, West of Ireland Holidays Ltd. Mr. Gilmore, a native of Brickens, Claremorris, is to join Volex of Castlebar as Sales Manager for the Scandinavian region. He took on the task of promoting Knock Airport and the region after a five year spell with Coras Trachtala, the Irish Export Board, based in Amsterdam. Last Spring, Mr. Gilmore, winner of an All-Ireland medal with the 1983 Mayo under-21 football side, outlined a 7 year action plan to transform the western region into a thriving holiday destination. He spelled out his objectives to members of Mayo County Council at a meeting last March. His company, which is chaired by the Mayo County Manager, Mr. Des Mahon, had a marketing budget of £360 million per annum. WISHED LUCK Yesterday, Mr. Mahon said he wished Mr. Gilmore the very best of luck in his new position and the task of finding a successor would now begin. The County Manager stressed that the work and objectives of West of Ireland Holidays would not be affected by Mr. Gilmore's decision to leave. Meanwhile, Mr. Gilmore himself said he had enjoyed his period with the Knock company and said he had "done what he set out to do". Mr. Gilmore added: "I think West of Ireland holidays have a good future". Up to his resignation, Mr. Gilmore had travelled widely and put together an attractive promotion package focussing on religious tours, outdoor holiday pursuits with an emphasis on angling, horse riding, hill-walking, golf and holidays with a heritage theme. The reaction of Mayo County Councillors, who unanimously endorsed Mr. Gilmore's ambitious plans last Spring has been one of regret and disappointment. One councillor, Padraig Cosgrove said last night (Tuesday) the news was a blow to the region.
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