Ireland’s most talented designers and craftspeople gathered in the RDS today to witness jeweler Elaine-Sarah Comerford of Button & Co. – who achieved recognition on Dragon’s Den last year - scoop the overall prize for Best New Product at Showcase as well as Best New Product in the Jewellery section for her Button Charm Bracelet. The two-tone silver and gold bracelet depicting old-fashioned buttons was lauded for its quality, design and innovation.

Best Craftmanship to reward the “highest standards of craftmanship” went to Dunleavy Bespoke in Naas, the furniture-making company of brothers Tim & Sean Dunleavy who specialise in the design and manufacture of unique, handcrafted pieces and are only in business since last October. The judges described Dunleavy Bespoke as “representing the height of contemporary design and craftsmanship with a youthful approach” and added that the talented brothers were a credit to the renowned furniture school at GMIT Letterfrack, of which they are graduates. The inaugural Exporter of the Year Award to recognise excellence in customer service from Irish companies trading overseas was awarded to Dublin-based jewellery company Solvar. The winner of the ‘Creative Island Award’ – chosen from the exclusive new hotspot at Showcase of 58 Irish craftspeople selected for their creativity, innovation and craftsmanship- was announced as Inti Leathers, the Dundalk-based accessories company owned by Catherine Prendergast. The awards were presented by the chairperson of Crafts Council of Ireland Laura Magahy. Other individual category winners for Best New Products were: Jerpoint Glass Studio in Kilkenny for its jester vessel (Tabletop & Interiors); Wicklow-based Unicorn Design for ‘Diva Dress’, an A-line creation in wool, gabardine and silk (Fashion, Knitwear & Accessories) and metalworker Paddy McCormack from Skibereen for his copper ‘Moon Bowl’ (Craft & Gift). 400 Irish designers and craftspeople will have met more than 5,000 buyers from the domestic and 50 overseas markets, including North America, continental Europe and Japan and generated up to €22 million in sales orders before Showcase ends on Wednesday evening (27th January). The event is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. “Irish craft is driven by creativity and this dynamic has led to a vibrant indigenous industry. The Showcase Awards recognise the achievements of outstanding craft businesses and highlight the wealth of talent that Ireland has to offer. I’d like to congratulate all of the winners and wish them every success in the year ahead”, said Úna Parsons, CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland. Further details are available on the official Showcase website at: http://showcaseireland.com About Showcase Ireland Showcase Ireland is the country’s premier craft, gift, fashion and interiors trade fair featuring quality design products from Ireland’s leading craft makers and designers. The initiative attracts 400 exhibitors and 5,000 buyers from around the world. Showcase Ireland is organised by Showcase Ireland Events Ltd. on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland and is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. For all the latest Press Releases click here: http://www.ccoi.ie/press/index.php

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