19th August 2025
CLARE BUSINESS GETS CHANCE TO SHINE AT PLOUGHING 2025
A small businesses from Clare will get the chance to exhibit themselves to almost 300,000 people at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly next month as part of the Local Enterprise Village.
Creative Clay, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, is a small studio based in Sixmilebridge. The owner, Raquel Walsh, crafts one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces which are inspired by the wild beauty of the Burren.
The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will house 30 small businesses from across the country and will be located at the heart of this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Offaly from the 16th to 18th September.
This year the Local Enterprise Offices are partnering with Google to enhance the offering within the Local Enterprise Village. Google will have their own area within the Local Enterprise Village where they will be hosting talks and demonstrations for small businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to improve their business by utilizing digital tools and AI.
The Local Enterprise Village was launched by Niamh Smyth, T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation at an event in Google.
Niamh Smyth, T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, said; “This partnership between the Local Enterprise Offices and Google for the Ploughing Championships is an extremely positive development for the Local Enterprise Village at this year’s event. It will give small business owners both exhibiting and visiting the Ploughing the chance to tap into Google’s expertise in the areas of digitisation and AI in how they can significantly impact their business.
“I’m looking forward to visiting the Local Enterprise Village in September at the Ploughing and meeting with the array of create businesses that will be there and seeing first-hand how they can benefit from this partnership with Google.”
With some of the biggest companies and organisations in Ireland taking up residence at the Ploughing every year, the Local Enterprise Village continues to be a popular destination on the site for those looking to pick up something unique to bring home from some of the best small businesses in Ireland.
The Local Enterprise Village will showcase the very best of Irish entrepreneurship and will house businesses across all sectors from natural skincare and organic soy candles to sustainable fashion and eco-friendly 3D printed sensory toys.
Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare said “This is an opportunity like no other for a small business. The chance to bring their ideas and products to almost 300,000 potential customers is a showcase like no other. The Local Enterprise Village has become one of those areas everyone wants to drop into to find their local business and see what they can pick up.
“The addition of Google to this year’s Village will enhance the offering not just for the businesses there, but also for any businesses or entrepreneurs who drop in. They can avail of Google’s expertise in digital tools and AI to help and small business to maximise their outputs.
There is a huge variety of businesses exhibiting this year highlighting the depth of sectors that the Local Enterprise Offices support from manufacturing and food and beverage, to software solutions and fashion. Whatever you are interested in there is something for everyone at the Local Enterprise Village.”
Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said; “The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, and we are privileged to be part of the journey these small Irish Businesses are on in developing in the marketplace.
Anything the NPA can do to showcase SME’s is massively important to us and we are really looking forward to welcoming Google this year as part of the Local Enterprise Village offering digital and AI advice, it’s an exciting opportunity to give small businesses and entrepreneurs the tools to succeed.”
Cera Ward, Managing Director, Google Ireland, said: “Small businesses are at the heart of our economy, driving innovation, growth and creating jobs in communities across Ireland. This is especially true in rural areas, where these businesses are vital to local prosperity. At Google, we’ve always believed in the power of digital to help businesses thrive, and we're proud to partner with the LEO’s as part of the Local Enterprise Village initiative.
From AI to smarter search tools, digital technology is transforming how small businesses grow, connect with customers, and compete on a global stage. We know that time is a business owner's most valuable asset, and we're excited to show how the right AI strategy can boost productivity and give them more time back. We look forward to meeting with business owners in Screggan and demonstrating how AI and digital can turn ambition into real growth."
“This year, our focus is on how digital and AI tools are revolutionizing business growth. We'll be on-site to demonstrate how smarter search tools and powerful AI can help businesses reach new customers, streamline operations, and compete effectively on a global scale. We know that time is a business owner's most valuable asset, and we're excited to show how the right digital strategy can boost productivity and give them more time back. We look forward to meeting with business owners and demonstrating how to turn ambition into real growth."
The Local Enterprise Village is just one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 80,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie
LOCAL ENTERPRISE VILLAGE CLIENTS @ NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
LEO Carlow – Home Glow Soy Candles
Scented soy wax candles presented in glass containers with an elegant clear vinyl label, allowing the flame to be seen from all angles – www.HomeGlow.ie
LEO Cavan – Delro Customs
Delro Customs is a customs clearing agent based in Cavan, Ireland - www.DelroCustoms.com
LEO Cavan – Breda O’Flaherty Studio
Artist creating original art based on the derelict buildings, Landscapes, and wildlife of Ireland – www.bredaoflahertystudio.com
LEO Clare – Creative Clay
Creative Clay is a ceramic studio based in Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare – www.CreativeClayIreland.com
LEO Cork North & West - SOMEGA
SOMEGA is a family run food supplement business based in Bandon, Co Cork. – www.GoSomega.com
LEO South Cork – Origin Xero
Origin Xero is a carbon enterprise that channels funds into nature regeneration in Ireland - www.originxero.com
LEO Dublin City – Joyof
Joyof is a West African food brand based in Dublin, offering convenient, ready-to-use products that celebrate traditional flavours – www.JoyofFoods.com
LEO Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown – Grá Cashmere
Grá Cashmere is a premium knitwear brand based in Dublin, deeply rooted in Mongolian heritage. www.gracashmere.com
LEO Fingal – Clemence Prosen Art & Design
Clémence Prosen is an artist and designer based in Dublin, creating fine art prints and illustrations inspired by Celtic heritage, Irish landscapes, and mindful living. www.ClemenceProsen.com
LEO Galway – Score Factor
Score Factor is designed for kids and adults who wish to improve their skills while having fun doing it.
LEO Kerry – Muckross Irish Gin
Muckross Wild Irish Spirits is a premium spirits company based in Killarney, Co Kerry. www.muckrossirishgin.com
LEO Kildare – SIÓG
SIÓG is a pressed flower art studio founded in 2021 by friends, Lorna Frawley and Joanna Brien-Sammons. www.siogbotanticals.ie
LEO Kilkenny – Sona Sensory
An innovative service and product provider offering product design, 3d scanning, 3d printing and eco-friendly sensory toys. www.sonasensory.com
LEO Laois – Angelina George Skincare
Angelina George Skincare is a multi-award-winning natural skincare brand based in Portlaoise, Co. Laois. www.AngelinaGeorgeSkincare.com
LEO Leitrim – Pathway Custom Conversions
Pathfinders Custom Conversions specializes in bespoke campervan conversions, balancing functionality and creativity - www.pathfinderscustomconversions.com
LEO Cork City – Wave & Cave Clothing
Wave & Cave Clothing is a sustainable Irish clothing label based in Cork, creating organic cotton apparel for children and adults. www.WaveandCave.com
LEO Limerick – EcoDry Canopy Clothes Lines
EcoDry Canopy Clothes Lines is an Irish company based in Limerick. EcoDry specializes in canopy-covered clotheslines for year-round outdoor drying. www.EcoDry.ie
LEO Longford – Lough Ree Distillery
Lough Ree Distillery is a family owned enterprise set up almost 10 years ago by Peter & Mike Clancy, and their sister Sheila Mullen , based in their hometown of Lanesborough, co. Longford . The company produces award winning Whiskies, Gins and Vodkas and exports to 12 countries worldwide. www.LRD.ie
LEO Louth – Almond Rose Designs
Almond Rose Designs - Pawsome Pet Cards celebrates the unique communication between pets and their humans with a collection of sustainable, Irish-made greeting cards for every occasion.
LEO Mayo – Hiddenbed Ireland
Hiddenbed Ireland is a progressive Irish company based in Co. Mayo, specialising in space-saving furniture such as pull-down beds with integrated desks. www.HiddenBed.ie
LEO Meath – URBÓ Milk
URBÓ Milk is a range of natural, protein milk drinks, produced in Meath using only natural ingredients, packaged in 250 ml recyclable cans. www.URBOMilk.com
LEO Offaly – Glass Innovations
Glass Innovations Ltd is a company based in Offaly. Our business is that of decorators of glass containers at our factory in Co Offaly. www.GlassInnovations.ie
LEO Roscommon – GRG Sports
GRG Sports is a unique sports team-wear supplier based in the west of Ireland, specialising in customised orders for sports clubs, schools, colleges and businesses. www.GRG-Sports.com
LEO Roscommon – Solas Desserts
Solas Desserts was set up in 2023 to create a range of products for Hospitality businesses. www.SolasDesserts.ie
LEO South Dublin – Flaunta
Flaunta is a luxury handbag brand that blends style and functionality. Founded by two Irish sisters on a mission to create handbags that truly work for modern women. www.Flaunta.ie
LEO Tipperary – Galtee Honey Farm
Galtee Honey Farm produces award-winning raw Irish honey and beeswax gifts from native Irish honeybees. www.GalteeHoney.com
LEO Waterford – Mac Safety Signs
Mac Safety Signs are manufacturers and distributors of safety signs. www.MacSafetySigns.com
LEO Westmeath – Human + Kind
An Irish Nutraceutical company (vitamins and supplements) that has developed a range of over-the-counter products. www.HumanAndKind.com
LEO Wexford – The Hair Doctor
The Hair Doctor is an award-winning Irish haircare brand founded by hairstylist Keara Howard. Best known for its 20-stage shower filter, the company focuses on treating hair issues caused by hard water. www.HairDoc.ie
LEO Wicklow – Aartha Organics
Aartha Organics is a natural skincare company based in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, creating handmade, anhydrous (water-free), endocrine-safe products using certified organic ingredients. www.Aartha.ie
