Newsletter of The North American Celtic Trade Association April 2014 Contents Carraig Donn, Solvar & Celtic Images

2  President’s Win Top Supplier Awards Message Supplier of the Year Awards were presented in Dublin on January 19th in conjunction with 3  New Members Showcase Ireland. Co-sponsored by Enterprise Ireland these awards recognize the top suppliers in NACTA Election our market and reward the commitment and dedication of these companies and their employees. Congratulations to all nominees and winners. 4 The Shop Corner

5  Member News

6 Tweeting is for the Birds…and the Biz!

7 Supplier of the Year Awards

8 Vendor News

10 Vendor Profile

Left: Vincent Hughes of Carraig Donn accepts the Supplier of the Year award, pictured with his daughters Ciara and Fiona. “I am delighted to receive this award” said 12  Celtic Warrior Vincent. “Our customers are clearly the life blood of our business and it is gratifying to know they rate Carraig Donn highly. It is also a tribute to the efforts of our 60 strong Awards workforce in Westport Co. Mayo. There are many good companies in this sector so it is truly an honor to come out on top. The challenge now will be to retain it next year!” Center: Nicky Obernik of Solvar accepts the Jewelry Supplier of the Year award from NACTA President Margaret McLemore. “It was a great honor to win Supplier of the Year at the NACTA awards” said Nicky. “We always strive to do our very best throughout the year and the awards are always a great motivator for our team.” 12 Upcoming Events Right: The NACTA Merit Award was presented to Neville Gardner of Donegal Square, Bethlehem, PA in recognition of his vision, dedication and commitment to the promotion of Celtic culture and his pivotal role in the development and growth of the North American Celtic Trade Association.

NACTA Members SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS Meeting Sunday April 27th Jewelry Supplier of the Year Best Packaging & Presentation Best New Vendor 8:30am Solvar Keith Jack Inc Barry Doyle Design Jewellers Best Promotional Support at The Ireland Show Gift Supplier of the Year Best Online System Shanore Secaucus, N.J. Celtic Images Solvar Best Ecommerce Support Supplier of the Year Shanore Best New Product Celtic Textiles Apparel & Accessories Handwarmers Hottest Product Carraig Donn by Erin Knitwear Marketplace Viscose Scarves Sept. 21–23 2014 Best Sales & Service Person by Mucros Weavers Best Jewelry Designs Lombard, IL Alan Clancy, Shanore Best Craft Company Boru Jewelry & Keith Jack Inc www.celticshow.com Wild Goose Studio See page 7 for complete list of award winners President’s Message

The mission of the North American I hope each of you had a successful St. bols book which continues to be a favorite Celtic Trade Association is to facilitate Patrick’s Day season after a historically dif- with customers. Cheryl Hughes has joined communication among businesses ficult winter for so many of our members. the Board after the recent election and Mi- involved in Celtic retailing in the USA and The publicity surrounding St Patrick’s Day chael McNerney has been appointed to the Canada, and to develop and implement reminds our existing customers to come visit position of Treasurer. Betty Rohman, Ilene programs of value to its members. us and introduces many new customers to Moss and Lanora Davidson were elected to a their local Irish or Celtic shop. It gives us a second term. Thank you all for your efforts President unique chance to turn these newcomers into and I look forward to another exciting year Margaret Barry McLemore loyal repeat customers. They may arrive look- for NACTA. Irish Traditions, Easton & Annapolis, MD ing for something green, but they see an array This year we will again sponsor the Vice President of high quality, well designed apparel, jewelry Home to Ireland program. This program, Stephen Hand and home accessories that appeal to people of available only to NACTA members, and Legends of the Celts, WI any heritage. The personal service and con- free of charge, lets you offer your customers Treasurer nection with you and your staff, coupled with a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland. Michael McNerney the unique merchandise they find in your In addition to the positive reaction from McNerney’s Irish Imports, Lewiston, NY shop, is what keeps them coming back. Our customers, many shops have gained free challenge is to keep that connection fresh and advertising from their local newspapers due Secretary stay at the top of their mind. to the substantial value of the prize. Thank Anne C. Gleine Social media is a great low or no cost you to CIE Tours International for making Ha’penny Bridge Imports of Ireland, OH method of continuing the relationship this possible. Executive Director with our customers and expanding to their Another member benefit offering free Anne Tarrant friends and family. We know the best form of publicity is Spirit of Ireland magazine, which advertising is a personal recommendation and includes a member shop listing as well as Board of Directors social media is just today’s way of spreading articles featuring any shop that would like to Michael Cox, The Scottish and Irish Store, the word. If you haven’t jumped on the band participate by submitting a photo. This high ON, Canada wagon yet, there are many free classes offered quality publication is available free to mem- Lanora Davidson, Things Celtic, TX by local Chambers of Commerce, communi- bers and can be sold for $4.95. It also makes Terry Kast, The Celtic Ranch, Weston, MO ty colleges and economic development offices a wonderful promotional gift to customers. Patricia Lloyd, Irish & Celtic Imports, NY to help you get started. Your fellow NACTA The next issue of Spirit of Ireland will be Tom McGrath, Tipperary Celtic Jeweler, NY members are also great sources of informa- available in April. Ilene Moss, All Things Irish, ID tion and inspiration for effective ways to use Our next members’ meeting is scheduled Paul O’Neill, Boru Jewelry, Dublin Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. for Sunday, April 27th at 8:30AM, during Betty Flanagan Rohman, Harp & Thistle I’m pleased to announce that NACTA is now the Ireland Show in NJ. I encourage you Imports, IL on Twitter -thank you to Board Member to attend the meeting to learn more about Patricia Theobald, The Irish Walk, VA Michael Cox for managing it. Follow us at @ NACTA’s member programs, meet fellow CelticTradeAssn members, and provide us with your input so The North American We are fortunate to have an active that your trade association can continue to Celtic Trade Association Board of Directors, who contribute their be effective and beneficial to you. 27 Addison Avenue time and talents to making our association I’d like to congratulate the recipients Rutherford, N.J. 07070 relevant and beneficial to our members and of the Supplier of the Year Awards and the Tel: 201-842-9922 our market. I’d like to thank Patricia Lloyd Celtic Warrior Awards that were presented Fax: 201-804-9143 whose term expires having served two terms in Dublin in January. All of the recipients Email: [email protected] as a Director. Patricia was instrumental in have shown a commitment to quality and www.celticbuyers.com developing the Understanding Celtic Sym- service. The winners are featured in this is-

2 sue of Seanchai. I encourage you to consider these suppliers, who have been recommend- NACTA Election ed by fellow retailers through these awards. The recent election to the board of directors of And finally, special congratulations NACTA resulted in the election of 4 directors whose is due to Neville Gardner, who received terms commence in April 2014. Betty Rohman, Ilene the NACTA Merit Award, for his vision, Moss & Lanora Davidson were elected to a second dedication and commitment to the promo- consecutive term. Cheryl Hughes, who served on the tion of Celtic culture and his pivotal role in NACTA Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010 (2 of the development and growth of the North those years as Secretary) has generously agreed to American Celtic Trade Association. serve the association once again. Cheryl Hughes with her Dad John Hughes I look forward to seeing many of you in Cheryl is co-owner with her father John Hughes of The Tinker’s Cart in Clinton MA. Secaucus and wish everyone a healthy and It all began in 1986 when John and Janice Hughes (RIP) wheeled a pushcart chock prosperous 2014. full of Irish wares into a mall in New Hampshire and the Tinker’s Cart was born. One pushcart turned into two and then three. The pushcarts gave way to kiosks and seasonal stores at a variety of New England malls. They have maintained their storefront location in Clinton since 1999 where, in addition to an uncommonly interesting selection of Celtic goods, they operate an in-house embroidery service. The Tinker’s Cart won the Margaret Barry McLemore 2010 Wachusett Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2010 and was the President recipient of the Irish Echo’s Top 50 Small Irish Businesses in 2012.

Member News Welcome Chad O’Lynn and Doug Deane, owners of Celtic Stag in Portland, New NACTA Members OR are celebrating their three month anniversary of the shop’s opening! Located in the lobby of a downtown hotel, Celtic Stag Meab Enamels occupies a gift shop space, creating a different dynamic than many Co. Westmeath, Ireland other retail shops. Celtic Stag serves primarily hotel guests and Timeless, colorful, unique and extremely conventioneers, though more and more residents of Portland are popular, Meab’s collection includes getting the word. Each week is a learning experience as Chad and brooches, pendants & earrings all retailing Doug become more familiar with the buying habits of this different under $27. All handcrafted by Meab, customer demographic. Since the opening, Keith Jack jewelry, Clair & Charlie. Royal Tara mugs, and Guinness apparel remain strong sellers. Other items seem to sell in starts and stops. Celtic Stag also sells their own aromatherapy products, which also remain strong Kiwi Country Clothing sellers. Chad and Doug want to thank Susan Spencer from Bridie’s Faire in Newport, OR for all Co. Monahan, Ireland her advice and assistance, and Lanora Davidson of Things Celtic in Austin, TX who stopped by Suppliers of Possum Merino Knitwear, the shop during a visit to Portland and shared her words of wisdom. Possum fur accessories including hats, insoles & shoes, handmade underwear for Betty Rohman of Harp & Thistle Imports, Ltd, Peoria Heights, IL was recently elected President athletes, and Outback rainwear / oilskins of the Friends of Clonmel, Peoria’s Irish Sister City Organization. Clonmel, County Tipperary (already in the US market). and Peoria, Illinois have enjoyed this relationship for over 15 years. The organization promotes friendship and an exchange of culture and commerce. The award winning Clonmel youth band Real Ireland Design will visit Peoria for the second time in the summer of 2015. The 150 member band and flag Co. Wicklow, Ireland corps will perform at several venues in the Peoria area. All members and those traveling with the Design led producer of high quality band are provided accommodations and hospitality by many volunteer families in the area. Harp Irish calendars, postcards, coasters, & Thistle will host a CIE tour to Clonmel and other stops in Southern Ireland in the fall of 2015. placemats, posters, books, playing cards, Congratulations to Lynn Thorn who will be celebrating her 5th year of ownership of the Celtic Shop sticker postcards, magnets and journals. of Dunedin in Dunedin, Florida on 24th April. 5 years of living in paradise and living her dream! Photographic & Celtic art. Member News continued on page 5

3 The Shop Corner Celtic Seasons Grand Haven, Michigan As I write this, it is -10 degrees in Michi- gan. Throwing another log on the fire, sum- mer seems so far away! It is hard to imagine in a few months, Celtic Season’s doors will be wide open welcoming customers as the warm breeze blows in from Lake Michigan. Celtic Seasons has taken a unique approach to the Celtic market by operating a seasonal shop on the shores of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan-- also known as “Coast Guard City, USA”. Additionally, we operate a retail cart at the Portage, MI Cross- roads Mall during the Christmas season, my father’s home county; my mother was April Trade show in Secaucus, New Jer- and on the road -- offering our wares on the from the village of Louth. My grandparents sey and the September show in Lombard, Midwest Feis/Festival circuit. received medals from the Illinois to refresh my product line and Irish Government for their chat with my fellow store owners to share active roles in the fight for business goals and ideas. Consistent sellers Independence. at the shop and festivals are the Heraldry As my immediate Name line, Amethyst products and the Peter family has been active and Townsend Collections. supportive of Located within a boardwalk setting, in- my business, so too has creasing foot traffic is a priority in my shop. my extended family. My Sponsoring our local Irish Jam sessions and cousin Noeleen from Ardee the famous living-statue performer “Celtic comes across the pond each Kilroy” have proven to be major draws. summer to help me at the This year finds us working with the other

Eileen (left) pictured on the NACTA Fam Tour with her cousin Noleen. shop. businesses to put a “Busker Evening” (street I found that establishing performers) to attract customers. a specialty retail business After 14 years in business it is interesting offers its own challenges to reflect on how my business grew from as well as opportunities to a humble six-foot table top to a full retail be creative. As much of shop. The seed for Celtic Seasons was real- our customer base revolves ized as my daughter Molly began competing around repeat patrons, I at Feis’ and performing at local festivals. recognized it was impera- After attending the first Muskegon Irish Fes- tive to continually present tival, I knew the time had come to integrate a fresh face by offering my Irish Heritage with the retail world. new products along with My parents, James and Eileen Boyle, had our great customer service. made the difficult decision to immigrate to Of course, the obligatory the United States with their five children in “open ear” —to hear the 1958. The Irish economy was in a terrible many Irish travel stories and “This family photo was taken at Dublin airport just before we got on the plane way and my aunt offered to sponsor the bound for America...It was March 28, 1958. I’m the little girl front and center. family histories, is the ultra family to come to Alma, Michigan. I was The four young fellas are my brothers, Thomas, Tony, Noel and Gerard. My prerequisite for my business. father is behind me and my mother hiding behind him. The rest of the group is born in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, family seeing us off. My mother was pregnant but didn’t tell anyone because I take advantage of the she wanted to immigrate”.

4 In the true essence of the Irish charitable spirit, giving back to the community has been a gratify- ing part of our business. We orchestrate an annual Member News continued St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at our community’s Teresa Perry from Thistle & Pine, PA is actively homeless shelter, and along with the Quinn School of Irish Dance, we created the Hooley for Healing; involved in the St. Andrew’s Society of Pittsburgh a St. Patrick’s Day event to raise money for local (SASP). As well as serving as a board member, she families dealing with cancer. Working with our attends shows and festivals as a vendor and does Kalamazoo Irish Club, we encouraged the addi- much to help out the society and promote the tion of a Cultural Tent for the Annual Kalamazoo Scottish arts. She designs and sells T-shirts for the Irish Festival. Now enjoying its’ fourth year, we are Ligonier Highland games, the proceeds from which in charge of its’ presentation. And each January, go to a scholarship fund for children learning the along with my brother Tony, we do an Irish culture Scottish/ Celtic Arts, such as bagpipes, harp, dance, fiddle and other types presentation for Western Michigan University of Celtic inspired arts. Students going abroad to study the Irish Health- Teresa is also actively involved in the promotion of Tartan Day - U.S. Senate care System. Resolution 155 was passed on March 20th, 1998 and designated every April For Celtic Seasons, the highlight of 2013 was 6th as “National Tartan Day”. being a part of the NACTA/CIE FAM Tour to Ireland. The tour was fabulous, but being treated The SASP is hosting a Tartan Day event on April 5th where local renowned like royalty by Anne and the folks from CIE was entertainers are donating their time and talents. Workshops in country dance an added bonus. This, along with sharing retail and Gaelic speaking are offered and of course great Scottish food. Family stories, the many laughs and passing of the coveted clans gather to tell their stories, and a huge raffle of Celtic products raises Eejit shirt with fellow entrepreneurs, made for a money to keep the nonprofit St. Andrew’s viable. This year they are unveiling lively trip across Ireland. I can’t say enough about a new tartan - the Official Pittsburgh Tartan, designed by Kathy Wells. It this trip and highly recommend it to all! has been copyrighted and presented to the Pittsburgh authorities, and is Wishing all a prosperous 2014. If you find to be registered as the Pittsburgh Tartan with tartan authorities in Scotland. yourself in Michigan, stop by for a craic! “There Appropriately enough, it is black and gold. This year Teresa will be a vendor are no strangers here, only friends you have not there, but also has a place on the St. Andrews’s table to promote the CIE tours met yet” William B. Yeats for 2014, letting the public know about these wonderful well–priced trips. It’s Eileen Boyle Chlebana truly a fun family oriented day. Will ye no come? (Wear your Tartan!!) Celtic Seasons

Charlie Carr, 82, of Sea Isle City, NJ, died of cancer on 13 February, 2014. Charlie was a graduate of West Catholic High School and earned a degree in finance from Villanova University. He was known for his world travels and in particular his many trips to Ireland. He so loved his Irish heritage and his travels in Ireland that in the early 1970’s, he opened the Irish Shop in Bryn Mawr, PA. Charlie was a pioneer in the Irish store business. His early buying trips were much different than our organized and well presented Showcase Ireland, the Ireland Show and the Celtic Marketplace that we attend today. His buying trips consisted of rental car with a big trunk and a map. He would make his way from town to town finding artisans who would sell him their goods. Often one person would recommend that he speak to ‘so and so’ when he got to Donegal. When he got to Donegal they would tell him about someone he should see in Westport. And so it went until he filled up a container of goods to bring back to the States. Charlie later moved the shop to Glenside, PA in the late 1980’s before selling it to his brother Jimmy Carr and his wife Elsie in 1995. The store was later owned by Phyllis and Charlie Bolton. Charlie was much loved by his family and friends and is greatly missed.

Submitted by Andrew Carr (nephew), who’s keeping Charlie’s legacy alive in his shop, Celtic Culture, in Ligonier, PA.

5 Now if you take this one step further and begin to You can add the Twitter logo to your website so Tweeting is for use it for your business, it can create quite a follow- when people browse your site, they can easily start ing of not just customers, but very loyal custom- following you on Twitter. This gives you an op- the Birds… ers. I have discovered that people that tweet do so portunity to further develop your customer base, because they enjoy being part of a larger network and because you can direct comments or pictures and the BIZ! that is boundless. Yet when they read that tweet, it at someone on Twitter, you can actually help influ- seems to be directed at them personally, not a face- ence the number of people who become aware of If you saw the Monty Python movie The Meaning less group of people. This is the amazing aspect of your store. If your city’s mayor is an advocate of a of Life, you may remember the restaurant scene Twitter, in that you can develop a “Brand” for your particular charity that you also help for example, where the very obese man has consumed a huge shop just by sending out tweets that are of interest you could tweet a picture to the mayor of you pass- amount of food and the waiter makes an attempt to your customers. ing a fund-raising check to the charity, and before to get him to eat “ just a leetle wafer Monsieur”, you know it the mayor has re-tweeted your Tweet A popular feature our store does each month is at which point the man explodes when he exceeds to their followers - and they set up scheduled tweets using his maximum capacity of food intake. Many shop could have thousands of Tweetdeck that are “on this owners are loath to add one more activity to their What is fascinating followers. daily routine, lest they overload and explode; and day in Irish and Scottish his- I can certainly vouch as one of them. So when tory”. We find many of our is the immediate Using Twitter gives your my son Brendan began pitching the benefits of customers re-tweet the tweets business presence and vis- Twitter to me last year, my eyes rolled well back which is the fastest way to impact (and when I say ibility with the community, into my head and thought to myself, what activity have your shop introduced to and it doesn’t mean you will I have to drop so I can do this Twitter thing? your customer’s social media impact, sometimes it have to be a polished writer Needless to say, over the last year I have managed network, or in Twitter terms, is with a wallop) that to have your Tweets read to “tweet” and continue with all my daily activities. their followers, who may and re-tweeted, just make it What is fascinating is the immediate impact (and start following you directly. Twitter can provide interesting. The litmus test when I say impact, sometimes it is with a wallop) Just think when you want to is when you read a Tweet, that Twitter can provide through social Media. announce that a particular through social media. simply ask yourself, “was that long awaited product has now worth the time it took to Overall, using Twitter is a numbers game. Your end arrived from Ireland or the UK, or you have a read it”. Remember that Twitter is a communica- result is to build up an army of followers, one at a special weekend sale that you don’t have time to set tion method, so you don’t want to use it just to time. This is where the power of Twitter is simply up in the newspaper, or on the radio, Twitter is just advertise; followers will get turned off and quickly amazing.To give you an example of the power of a matter of a minute or two, and the word is out to un-follow you. You can still advertise, just make it Twitter as a social media tool, in early March a the followers immediately. The bonus is when your a bit fun, or amusing so the person reading your group of Ottawa Senators hockey fans, flew out to store followers re-tweet your comment out to their Tweet will appreciate the thought you put into it. Vancouver on the West coast to go to the stadium followers who may never have been aware of your You don’t have to Tweet every day, but using a outdoor game they were hosting. We wanted to store before. meet up with other Sens hockey fans so I tweeted great tool like Tweetdeck, you can actually schedule out to the team fan base looking to see who else Getting started is quite simple and requires you to tweets to go out to your followers on a particular was going to the game, and if they could meet at a go the Twitter website https://twitter.com or you day, and time. You may want to schedule for an designated pub. Within 30 minutes I had dozens can go find a video on You Tube and watch how to early morning, to catch when people are com- of replies and re-tweets of my tweet. The end result set up the account. muting to work, or at lunch hour or late in the was dozens and dozens of loyal fans all met up in One of the easiest ways to become familiar with afternoon when people are going home. Twitter is a Vancouver sports bar to cheer on our team and Twitter is to start following people or companies that a very effective marketing tool that can be utilized make friendships where none had existed before have a connection to your shop in some way. You anytime you chose. Sometimes the most amusing that weekend. In addition I picked up a lot of new can follow musicians, suppliers that use Twitter, Irish things we see each day are only seen by us, but followers who liked my tweets. All this happened celebrities, and of course politicians. There is nothing now you could take a quick picture and tweet out because I sent out a small message that created stopping you from following your State Governor, or a funny comment that other people might enjoy an event. Provincial Premier and then replying to a comment experiencing. If you are already using Twitter then you already know what the benefits are, and if you Twitter can be compared to Facebook, but in many they may have tweeted out to their followers. You haven’t used it yet because you think it is compli- ways it is very much different. It has simple, short never know - they might just like your reply com- cated or you won’t have time. messages of a maximum 140 characters, and you ment and re-tweet it out to their followers. can just start following someone’s tweets, or just as You can also monitor on what people may be say- Let me ask you, what do you do when you are wait- quickly un-follow them. Since there is less personal ing about your store, as you can see if your Twitter ing in a line, or waiting for a bus or plane? We have information than Facebook, there is less of a account has been mentioned in someone’s Tweet. plenty of time to use Twitter, and when you start, requirement for tight security and it really provides This is a very effective method to feel the pulse you will wonder why you hadn’t done it sooner. most people a very basic social media application of your customer base as well as what topics are Michael Cox, the Scottish & Irish Store, that is effective and easy to use. “trending” on Twitter. Ottawa, Canada

6 Supplier of the Year Awards JEWELRY SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR BEST CRAFT COMPANY Boru Wild Goose Studio Keith Jack Inc BEST ONLINE SYSTEM Amethyst Dublin Solvar Shanore BEST NEW PRODUCT Solvar (Winner) Handwarmers by Erin Knitwear GIFT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR BEST JEWELRY DESIGNS The James Trading Group Boru Jewelry & Keith Jack, Inc (tie) Dublin Gift Company Abbey Press BEST NEW PRODUCTS OF 2013 Bridget’s of Erin Hand warmers by Erin Knitwear (Winner) Celtic Images (Winner) Connemara Jewelry by JC Walsh & Sons Ltd SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR TEXTILES, Scarves by Because I Like it APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES Lucky Sods Products Jimmy Hourihan Celtic Charm Bangles by Solvar Latchfords of Ireland Greeting Cards by Mundo Images Hanna Hats Trinity Sunglasses by Because I Like it Mucros Weavers All products by Nagle Forge & Foundry Carraig Donn (Winner) All Products by Barry Doyle Design Jewellers BEST SALES & SERVICE PERSON HOTTEST PRODUCTS OF 2013 Louise Hanway, TJH Ltd Viscose Scarves by Mucros Weavers (Winner) Karen Woods, Amethyst Dublin Michael Flood, JZ Blackman Contemporary Prints by Celtic Card Company Lisa O’Neill, Boru Jewelry Alan Clancy, Shanore (Winner) Claddagh Plaque by Abbey Press BEST NEW VENDOR Belleek Claddagh Mugs by Belleek Group NA Barry Doyle Design Jewellers Lucky Irish Potato BEST PACKAGING & PRESENTATION by The Irish Potato Company Keith Jack, Inc Fair Isle Socks & Leg Warmers BEST PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT by Brian Cubitt Shanore Rings & Pendants BEST E-COMMERCE SUPPORT by Barry Doyle Design Jewellers Shanore Solstice Collection by Keith Jack, Inc.

FROM TOP Michael James of the James Trading Group Michael Flood with Margaret McLemore Paul O’Neill of Boru Jewelry Barry & Adrianna Doyle receive Best New Vendor Award

FROM LEFT Best Rep Alan Clancy Shane Maher of Shanore

7 gives the wearer lots of different ways to Vendor News wear the pendant. The Irish Coin Collec- tion Rhodium Pendant features a 28 inch chain and coin holder with 13 coins to choose from in Silver & Rose Gold tone. All the coins celebrate Ireland’s Heritage; Solvar have selected our most loved symbols—The Claddagh, The Celt- ic Knot, The Celtic Cross, The Shamrock and The Tree of Life. The two sided coins feature a much loved symbol on the News from The Lair…The daffodils chez front and an inspiring message on the Black Dragon are blooming gorgeous this reverse. We look forward to seeing you year and the snowdrops have been shim- in Secaucus. If you are unable to attend, mering like silver in the hedgerows…so please email [email protected] I’m celebrating by re-designing my CWL- and she will send you further details. WM range of sterling silver jewellery! I’ve made it more classic and colourful, Real Ireland Design www.realireland.ie has 1,100 Years in the Making: Book of Kells with gems galore and solid silver Celtic just launched the first book in a new series Collection Launches at Ireland Show. beads. CWLWM, pronounced koo-lum, of pictorial guides. Ireland, People and Three Irish companies have been se- is Welsh for knotted. No vowels again, Landscape, is written by David Pritchard lected by Trinity College Dublin to make sorry. And so that the men don’t feel left with photography by Liam Blake. The cost exclusive ranges under the Book of Kells out, I’ve made BOY-O bangles—Celtic is €3.60 – Retailing at €5.99 Contact brand, which will have its US launch at pewter beads on round black rubber, in [email protected] to order. the Ireland Show. Patrick Francis Ireland, four sizes. Everything by Black Dragon Solvar & Wild Goose Studio have been is 100% handmade in Wales, so it is ShanOre are about to make Platinum working on designs for the new collec- all “proper Celtic” and very saleable. A affordable for everybody with the most tion since the completion of an exhaus- warm Welsh welcome awaits you in Suite recent addition to our multi award tive selection process last summer and 814. Diolch yn fawr! winning collections, ShanOre Platinum are now ready to unveil the results. Ware. Our Platinum Plated Jewelry All three companies have drawn on the Mucros Weavers welcomes the opportu- combines our most successful designs rich detail & intricate patterns in the nity to meet new and existing customers with the most precious of all metals, world-famous 9th century illuminated in Suite 728 at the Ireland Show. Most Platinum. Each piece of jewelry is manuscript which is exhibited at Trinity of our lines are one size, which means presented on our innovative packaging College Dublin. Revenue from the prod- that you can carry smaller stock quanti- and comes complete with an in store uct ranges, which are produced under ties. Almost all our lines are in stock display stand. Suggested Retail Prices license, will help fund the ongoing and we offer a seven day turn around range from $25–$39 thereby ensuring conservation of the Book of Kells. service. At Showcase, we successfully that this collection is affordable to all. introduced the one-size ‘City Cape’ Shane & Alan look forward to presenting which can be matched with 3 styles in this pioneering collection to you at the ladies headwear. We will be showing our upcoming Secaucus Trade Show. new ‘Country Cape’ in Secaucus. Also new are Ladies felt handbags with Celtic Solvar is delighted to introduce their embroidery. We have updated all our new Irish Coin Collection. The concept imagery and P.O.S material as well as our is based around an interchangeable coin dropbox link. pendant, which is the latest trend to hit

the jewelry market. It’s fun, elegant and

8 Renowned for high quality fabrics and the lavish detail of the original manuscript Ogham Art was excited to join NACTA workmanship, Patrick Francis Ireland to carve highly decorative pieces. in the fall of 2013. Located in Connecti- has fused the historical with modern The Studio’s products include gift boxed cut, and founded in 2009 by Christopher practicality and created a range of wall hangings, sculptural souvenirs and & Colleen Conway, Ogham Art offers fashion accessories including printed fridge magnets. Each company will have the largest selection of Ogham-themed scarves, coin purses and a range of its part of the Book of Kells collection products in the world and are com- printed quilted cotton products such mitted to presenting and preserving as tablet cases, bags and purses. Men’s this beautiful writing system in unique products include branded leather belts presentations. The product line includes and 100% silk woven ties. Inspired by prints, note cards, pewter pendants, its lavish artwork and using its ornate bumper stickers and ornaments, as well designs, colors and symbols, the Patrick as personalized, custom work written

Francis Ireland collection captures the in the centuries-old script. In addition

Book’s history and opulence. to accepting wholesale orders via email

and phone, we provide wholesaler login

at OghamArt.com and accommodate

drop orders directly to customers.

www.OghamArt.com, [email protected]

1-877-305-7819

available at its booth at the Ireland Show

GM Belt Supplies (Glen Esk ) is ex- cited to be launching our new range of The Book of Kells Jewellery collection ‘MADE IN SCOTLAND’ Band sporrans has been designed by award-winning at the Ireland Show. Our new band spor- jewelry manufacturers Solvar. This beau- ran can incorporate your band’s name tiful collection, crafted in Sterling Silver, or motif engraved onto a centre disc. Gold and Rhodium tone, celebrates the Please call by and see them firsthand wonderful rich coloring and intricate de- in Suite 802. All of our products come tail that the Book of Kells is famous for. from UK manufacturers and we have just Pendants, bangles, earrings, brooches updated our web site www.gmbelt.com and beads have been designed to echo with our new Utility kilt belt buckles the richly decorated colourful knot work which are unique to GM Belt Supplies. of this famous manuscript.

Amethyst Dublin is delighted to announce

the addition of our newest member of staff, JMH Jewellery are delighted to present new Niamh Ward. Niamh has been working collections of jewelry at The Ireland Show. with us part time throughout school and Our Drusy Collection has created quite the college so some of you will have already stir and customers are reporting excellent met her. We are delighted that she has sales! Drusy is a member of the quartz decided to join us as a full time member family—the word Drusy means ‘covered of the team. We also have a great new line in tiny crystals’. Showcase also saw the In working on this exciting project, in our ever expanding range of top selling launch of our Touch of Gold Collection Wild Goose Studio has used its long expe- wristbands—we will update you with new incorporating dazzling white topaz with rience in creating beautiful bronze orna- photos! Looking forward to our 5th Annual 18ct Yellow & Rose Goldtone. We are in ments and wall hangings based on Ireland’s NYC pub crawl on Monday night of the Suite 413 and look forward to seeing you heritage. The Studio’s designers drew on Ireland show. at the show 9 Kerry Woollen Mills was established over Together we are committed to serving Vendor Profile 300 years ago to alleviate local poverty. The the Irish stores in North America from a mill drew on the adjacent River Gweestin convenient central location. for the power to drive its machinery and the We are continuously evaluating water to wash and dye the wool. The mill opportunities to expand our range and was bought by the Eadie family in 1904 improve our service and we source new and continues under the fourth generation products each January at Showcase in of family ownership to this day. Today the Dublin. We have recently been appointed as company focuses on serving niche markets US distributor for Rí Na Mara, an award- with products from natural fibers in classic winning family owned Irish business. The and traditional styles & colors. skin care range of products are made in Our best selling products from Kerry Connemara, Co Galway from harvested Latchfords of Ireland Woollen Mills are Ruanas, Capes, Aran seaweed, vitamins, proteins and mineral rich sweaters , Organic sweaters, Organic socks, extracts. Rí Na Mara, which means “King of Latchfords of Ireland has a long history Wool Fat soap. In addition, Latchfords the Sea” has become Ireland’s most popular in the American market which began selection of tweeds that are three decades ago when Michael Latchford used for Hanna Hats & caps founded M&S Latchford in 1984. In 1999 are primarily from Kerry Turlough and Fiona Sheehan acquired Woollen Mills. ownership of the business and the company’s Hanna Hats The very first name changed to Latchfords of Ireland. ‘Hanna’ hat was created in Since 2013 Latchfords is owned and 1964.The range of hats and operated by Irishwoman, Fiona Sheehan caps are naturally moisture who splits her time between Ireland and the repellent, guaranteed to keep USA. For the past number of years Fiona’s you dry and warm in all kinds father Patrick F Walsh was a Director of the of weather. Hats are cut to company. Sadly he passed away on February patterns designed by Hanna 3rd. We are delighted to announce that Hats and assembled by hand at Ronan Ryan who has been the Financial their factory in Donegal Town. Controller for the past four years has since The vintage cap remains the been appointed as a Director. most popular cap although Over the years we have represented the Donegal Touring cap (also many Irish manufacturers and have grown known as the Brad Pitt or from a small distributor to a distributor of Donnie Wahlberg) is also a a large range of products all based on the top seller. same simple philosophy- quality and Irish We consider Connemara made. Our primary mission is to promote Socks to be the very best of high-end Irish made products in the North woollen sock manufacturers. American market. As a company we take Made in vibrant colors, these Fiona Sheehan pictured with Seamus Ui Chathmhaoil of Ri Na Mara great pride in being Irish and representing socks are our #1 best seller. Irish manufacturers. They are comfortable, breathable and warm brand of luxury seaweed beauty cosmetics. John Hanly & Co Ltd specializes in the and are suitable for both men and women. You can view Rí Na Mara products and manufacture of scarves, throws and fabrics The success of Latchfords of Ireland our entire Latchfords range at the Ireland in wool, lambswool &mohair. Established is primarily due to our excellent range of Show in Secaucus in April and at Celtic in Ireland in 1893, with over 117 years quality products but also due to our loyal Marketplace Trade Show in Lombard, IL in the textile business, John Hanly & Co customers who have been with us for Sept 21-23. Ltd is steeped in tradition and guarantees decades, and our past and current employees For further information please contact that the products produced are of excellent who have worked together to bring Fiona Sheehan at T:+353 1 549 1455; Free craftsmanship, outstanding quality and are Latchfords to where it is today. In addition, Fax: 888 665 8654; Email: fionasheehan@ timeless in their beauty. our relationship with The Bridget’s of Erin latchfords.com Website www.latchfords.com who fulfils our orders is core to our success.

10 NACTA Members HOME TO IRELAND 2014 at Showcase

Generate the excitement in your store!

We are pleased to announce that Home to Ireland will be repeated for 2014 and once again is free of charge. Co-sponsored by CIE Tours International and NACTA, this simple program is successful year after year with retailers reporting a significant increase in store traffic as well as an opportunity to build their mailing list and drive business to their websites. It also provides an excellent opportunity for publicity for your store. Here’s how it works: By completing an entry blank in your store or on your website, your customers can enter to win a trip to Ireland for two on CIE Tour’s Irish Heritage Tour plus $1,500 air travel voucher. The promotion can begin in your store as soon as you receive materials from us and will end on September 17th – Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day - when each store will draw its finalist. All finalists will then be included in the grand prize drawing at Celtic Marketplace in Lombard on September 22nd, 2014. You can pick up materials, posters etc in Secaucus or call us and we will send to you – completely free of charge!

Solvar held a party for all the Solvar team to celebrate winning NACTA’s Supplier of the Year Award and also to wish our Sales representative Fionan McCulloch a fond Mike O’Donoghue of Killarney Printing had farewell on his retirement. He has been a warm welcome for NACTA members at with the company for over 17 years and this stand at Showcase. Mike does a great we wish him the very best of luck on his job printing and framing all the NACTA new chapter in life. awards. Thanks Mike! 11 CELTIC WARRIOR AWARDS

CELTIC WARRIORS: Celtic Warrior Awards Fran Siefert, Ballyhugh Irish Imports, NJ were presented to Ed & Linda Karmann, County Emmet Celtic Shoppe, MI outstanding merchants Maureen Casey Brubaker & members of the North & Kathleen Casey Proctor, American Celtic Trade Casey’s Irish Imports, Rocky River, OH. Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Linda Low, Little Shop of Shamrocks, NY Association, in recognition September 21, 22, 23, 2014 of active participation in Embassy Suites Hotel, Lombard, IL. the Celtic market thereby Where the Celtic Market supporting and promoting meets to Network, Re-energize, Celtic heritage in his/ Learn & Prosper! her community, in North Room rates as low as $50 per night! America and in the Savvy Seminars Celtic nations. New Vendors & New Products

Show Specials Linda Low, owner of Little Shop of Shamrocks, NY receiving her Celtic Warrior Award from NACTA President Margaret McLemore. www.CelticShow.com

Upcoming Events Stop into the NACTA suite 823 at the Ireland show to pick up your supply of NACTA Members Meeting Spirit of Ireland magazines. Showcasing 8:30am, Sunday, April 27th Irish craft, culture, travel and news, it Embassy Suites Hotel, Secaucus, NJ features a list of all NACTA member shops as well as photographs of several The Ireland Show Secaucus, NJ stores. Magazines are free of charge to April 26–29, 2014 NACTA members. The cover price www.irelandshowsecaucus.com is $4.95 so you can sell at face value or discount or use as a special gift or Celtic Marketplace Trade Show giveaway for your best customers. Embassy Suites Hotel, Lombard, IL September 21–23, 2014 www.celticshow.com

Showcase Ireland Pick up a supply of CIE Brochures, Celtic January 18–21, 2015 Shopping bags, Celtic gift bags, Creating RDS. Dublin www.showcaseireland.com a Celtic Wedding books, Home to Ireland

materials and other NACTA products at Scotland’s Trade Fair The Ireland Show or call us now for January 18–20, 2015 SECC, Glasgow immediate shipping. www.scotlandstradefairs.com.uk