Mayo success at Dublin trade fair

FOXFORD Woollen Mills have been named the overall winner in the 'home' category at Showcase 2016 for their woven upholstery cloth.

Showcase, which was officially opened by An Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, is one of the country’s largest international trade fairs, attracting more than 5,000 buyers from Ireland and over 20 other countries, all keen to view the latest collections from more than 450 Irish designers, manufacturers and craftspeople across fashion, jewellery and home and giftware.

Karen Hennessy, chief executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), congratulated all of the winners and those who were highly commended.

She said: “The strength of Showcase lies in offering buyers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the very latest creative work emerging from Ireland. That is what has kept visitors returning each January over the show’s 40-year history. 

“Together with our colleagues in Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices, we are committed to supporting talented Irish designers and makers in growing their business at home and internationally. Our annual awards programme at Showcase encourages new product development and recognises excellence in innovation, design, craftsmanship and presentation.

“The standard of entry this year made selecting winners a difficult task for our curators. The award recipients and everyone who was highly commended should feel very proud of their achievement and I would like to wish them every success throughout the show.”

Showcase 2016 continues until Wednesday (January 27) at the RDS Dublin and is for trade attendance only. For further details, see www.showcaseireland.com.