A CO Mayo firm which has achieved an international market for its knitwear, designer fashion, giftware, accessories and jewellery yesterday announced expansion plans.
Carraig Donn of Westport, which started off as a small but promising craft industry in 1965, is to create some 100 new jobs, adding to the 57 which have been created this year.
Yesterday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed delight at the success of the company and its expansion plans when he visited the company’s headquarters at Lodge Road.
Mr Kenny said: “Today is a day to celebrate success, applaud endeavour and compliment the Hughes family for their contribution to Westport and to the Irish economy.
“Carraig Donn, its management and staff are an example of local home-grown companies with national and international vision that can grow and adapt with the changing times.
“This is a success story we all can be proud of.”
Carraig Donn is to expand its retail, online and manufacturing business units.
Recently the company expanded its network of stores selling Irish and international designer fashion, lifestyle giftware, accessories and jewellery to new locations including Galway, Dungarvan, Carlow, Dún Laoghaire, Maynooth and Newbridge.
Earlier yesterday the Taoiseach opened a new sports hall on the campus of Davitt College, Castlebar, Co Mayo.
The facility, which includes a fully-equipped upstairs gymnasium, is dedicated to the memory of GAA legend Joe Langan, a former principal of the college and chief executive of Mayo Vocational Education Committee.
Before his death in 2006, Mr Langan, who won a national GAA league medal with Mayo in 1970, spearheaded the campaign for the provision of such a sports centre.
After performing the official opening ceremony, the Taoiseach said that it was a privilege to be able to stand at last in the new sports hall.
“If one person is happy today it is Joe Langan,” Mr Kenny said. “He fought long and hard for this facility.”