Exciting New West Cork Start Up, Glanmara Limited, picked as Finalist in County & City Enterprise Board Awards 2011.
Nov.7th 2011
Glanmara Limited, Winner of the West Cork Enterprise Board’s Company of the Year 2011, has also been selected as one of eight national finalists in the County & City Enterprise Board Awards 2011. Glanmara Limited, trading as Drombeg Premium Irish Spirit, based in Union Hall, will now represent West Cork along with seven other micro–enterprises from other parts of the country to compete for the overall winning prize in Dublin Castle, Dublin on 24th November. Previous winners in West Cork have included Glenilen Farm, Irish Yogurts and Granite Media.
The founders of Drombeg, childhood friends, John O’Connell, Dennis McCarthy and Gerard McCarthy were struck by a new business idea to make a premium spirit locally in West Cork, created using local spring water and utilising a unique proprietary oak wood maturation method. Drombeg Premium Irish Spirit™ named after one of Ireland’s oldest stone circles, near Union Hall, was developed after extensive research, planning and preparation over three years. Aimed at both the domestic and export markets, this new premium drink embodies the spirit of camaraderie, conviviality and celebration. A confirmed distribution agreement with Cork-based distributor, Barry & Fitzwillliam Ltd, means that the Drombeg label is already becoming a familiar sight at a growing number of select bars and off-licences throughout Ireland. Furthermore, export distribution agreements for continental Europe and North America are expected to be secured over the coming months. Currently Glanmara employs 3 full time and 2 part-time at their facility outside Union Hall.
Speaking of their Win, John O’Connell, of Drombeg Spirit said ‘We are delighted to win this accolade, as it is a clear indication of the success of Drombeg. For Dennis, Gerard and myself, there’s a huge sense of accomplishment when you see all your plans, hard work and vision finally coming together. Nothing beats seeing your own product in bars and on the shelves of off-licences – particularly when it’s created and developed in our own native West Cork’
Speaking of the Awards, Michael Hanley, CEO of West Cork Enterprise Board said ‘The creation and maintenance of jobs, particularly in the current economy, is a key priority for the West Cork Enterprise Board. Through the provision of business advice, one to one mentoring, business training and financial assistance we can assist both start up and business expansions in manufacturing and internationally traded service businesses. Drombeg is a good example of the entrepreneurship spirit alive and well in West Cork. Whilst they have faced a challenging journey along the way, perseverance and determination has paid off for John, Dennis & Gerard in developing this unique product. They have managed to successfully create and develop a new business in a competitive market in the current times. The Enterprise Board is delighted to assist and to work with such dedicated and focussed individuals.’
The Overall National Winner, Best Start-up Business and Best Export Business as well as an Innovation in Product Development Award will be selected by Judges on November 24th 2011 in a ceremony in Dublin Castle. Each year, the County & City Enterprise Boards across Ireland stage the National Enterprise Awards competition to recognise the entrepreneurial talent of micro-enterprise owners.