MORE THAN 10,000 ATTEND DUNDALK’S FIRST HOME EXPO
VISITORS FROM DUBLIN AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES ATTEND ENJOY IN SPORTS COMPLEX APRIL 1988
DUNDALK’S first Ideal Homes & Trade Exhibition is deemed a major success.
Organisers estimate more than 10,000 people attend the event over three days in Dundalk sports centre, Muirhevnamór.
‘It is unbelievable and far beyond our own expectations,’ says Eamonn O’Boyle PRO for the organising committee which comprises members of the Dundalk small business club.
There are 48 exhibitors and everyone puts in a great deal of time and effort, which is reflected in the splendid appearance of the venue.
Such is the interest on Sunday, people are only admitted by degrees, while some leave the queues and go off disappointed.
‘I think the exhibitors are absolutely astounded by the turn-out, which is bigger than anything they could have dreamed off,’ Mr O’Boyle continues.
There are visitors from Dublin, Belfast and Co. Down, as well as neighbouring counties, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan.
Mr O’Boyle reveals people are amazed to discover there is so much available locally that they did not know about, and a lot of business is generated.
There are draws, demonstrations and an appearance by ‘Gemini’ the magician to keep the crowds entertained.
The next step for the committee is to survey the exhibitors to see where improvements can be made and the idea developed.
Officially opening the event on Friday evening, Minister for Horticulture Seamus Kirk congratulates the organisers.
‘I think it is no small achievement that this exhibition is the largest of its kind ever to be held in Ireland outside of Dublin and Belfast,’ he says.
‘It is the kind of enterprise and the kind of community co-operation we need in this country.’
Jim O’Callaghan, president, Dundalk chamber of commerce, says the exhibition is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by small business.
He urges parents to think of the concept of self-enterprise and self-employment for their children.
On behalf of Dundalk urban council, Cllr Jim Cousins points out that even in the midst of unemployment and a depressed economy, the exhibition shows that unless there is hope they will not be able to move forward.
Niall Rice, chairman of the organising committee, notes it is great to see the event taking place after months of hard work.
He pays special thanks to main spon- sors P. J. Carroll, and the sports centre staff.
One stand which looks like Aladdin’s Cave is that of Homecraft & Hobbies, Bridge Street.
It is run by Maureen Flynn and her daughter, Maureen Clark. The Flynn family has been in business in Bridge Street for over 100 years.
Decorative Plaster Castings Ltd., meanwhile, arouses a lot of interest.
It is started in 1981 in Courtbane, Hackballscross, by Michael Daly, a plasterer by trade.
Elsewhere, you can have your blood pressure checked for 50p at the Dundalk Nursing Service stand.
Qualified nurses, Briege Finnegan and Mary Gallagher set up the business last June, the only service of its kind in the area.