The press launch for Showcase Ireland, Ireland’s largest trade fair, was held at The 21 Club in New York City on December 10th. The Crafts Council of Ireland felt it appropriate to hold the launch in New York to demonstrate their appreciation of the friendship and economic ties between Ireland and the United States, and to show solidarity with New York in the light of recent tragic events. The launch was attended by the Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Mary Harney and Dr. Frances Ruane, Chairperson of the Crafts Council of Ireland who noted “we want to show our support to our friends and contacts in the United States and reassure U.S. retailers that Showcase Ireland is thriving and will host a record number of exhibitions and new products.” She added that special airfare and lodging arrangements to encourage US retailers to make the trip have been organized. Showcase Ireland is one Europe’s premier trade fairs for gift, craft, tabletop, and fashion attracting over 650 of the finest European and Irish craftspeople and manufacturers. Tom McGrath, President of the North American Celtic Buyers Association, states that “Without question, Showcase Ireland is the most important trade event for US specialty retailers of Irish merchandise. It keeps us up to date on Irish design.”
Encouragingly it was noted at the launch that bookings are up 18% on last year. Showcase Ireland will be held in the RDS in Dublin and will run from January 20-23, 2002. ♦
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