Galway is the latest stop for an exhibition of Irish made clothes, pottery, crystal and gifts.
The third Irish Gifts Fair is organised by leading gift manufacturers in conjunction with the Irish Goods Council. The touring exhibition is currently taking place in Galway.
Participating companies are Royal Tara China, The Irish Pewtermill, Glenshane Ties, Collins Inglis, Carbery Knitwear, Cavan Crystal, Studio Donegal, Theobald Phelan and Jonathan Richards Weavers' Shed. The products all made in Ireland on show include crystal, linen, tweeds, pewter, china, knitwear, decorative glassware, scarves, and ties.
1980 wasn't exactly a boom year for those involved in the manufacture of Irish gift wear and 1981 doesn't like setting any records either.
Despite a tough time for Irish business the previous year's exhibition was successful, resulting in sales amounting to half a million pounds.
While the export market is becoming more important companies want to maintain business at home. With ever-increasing ranges of merchandise a group trade promotion provides the opportunity to see several ranges at one venue.
The companies involved in this exhibition clearly believe the way to hold onto business is to go out in search of customers.
Irish Gifts Fair has already visited Killarney and Cork. Stops are planned for Limerick, Letterkenny, Sligo, Wexford and Waterford. Later in the year, the exhibition will be held in Belfast.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 January 1981. The reporter is Tommie Gorman.
