Businesses from Cork City had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world last month as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2026 at the RDS in Dublin. There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event including six from Cork City.
Over 3,300 buyers from 27 countries attended the three-day event in Dublin and upwards of €32 million in business was expected to have been transacted across the three-day event. The LEO Cork City clients who attended were:
Business Owner | Business Name | Web Address |
Hannah McGrenera | Saw Framed | www.sawframed.com |
Susan Mulcahy | Saucy Pups | www.saucypups.com |
Joan Lucey | Yarn Vibes | www.yarnvibes.com |
Kristin Haberstroh | Studio Canty | www.studiocanty.ie |
Laura-Jane Redmond | Wave & Cave | www.waveandcave.com |
Emily Thompson | Emily A. Thompson | https://www.instagram.com/emilyathompson_artist/ |
Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the Local Enterprise Showcase as part of Showcase at the RDS and highlighted how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector and the impact they can have in helping these businesses to reach new markets.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I’m delighted to visit Showcase 2026, an event that continues to highlight the very best of Irish craft and design. Showcase remains a vital platform for our makers, providing them with the opportunity to present their work to national and international audiences and to build meaningful connections in global markets. The creativity, skill and innovation on display here today reflect the depth of talent that exists across Ireland, particularly within our rural and regional communities. Craft is not only central to our cultural identity but also plays an important role in supporting sustainable enterprise and employment throughout the country, contributing to the national economy and Ireland’s export market. The Government remains committed to supporting Ireland’s craft and design sector as it continues to grow, adapt and compete internationally. I wish all the exhibitors every success at Showcase 2026 and look forward to seeing Irish creativity continue to thrive on the world stage.”
LEO Cork City worked closely with its clients in recent months to ensure they were in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event. Preparation included training and mentoring in areas such as sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.
Dr. Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at Cork City Council “This was a great opportunity for these small and micro enterprises in the craft and design sector in Cork city, to showcase their products and designs to both international and domestic buyers. Their attendance at Showcase opens up opportunities for their continued growth.”
This year saw the third year of The Business of Craft Awards by the Local Enterprise Offices, open to all the craft and design businesses taking part in Local Enterprise Showcase. This initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices recognises the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.
In the Showcase Awards, the Award for Best Product Category – Jewellery went to LEO Cork City client Hannah McGrenera of Saw Framed www.sawframed.com
ENDS
Additional Information for Editors
THE BUSINESS OF CRAFT AWARDS 2026 – Finalists and Winners
The Awards had three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business who has excellent export and international potential and Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability.
FINALISTS - Business of Craft Awards 2026 – Local Enterprise Showcase @ Showcase 2026
Newcomer
- Beyond the Ferns – supported by LEO Wicklow – www.BeyondTheFerns.ie
- Bó Bar Soap – supported by LEO Kilkenny – www.BoBarSoap.com (WINNER)
- Carmel Grant Designs – Supported by LEO Waterford – www.CarmelGrantDesigns.ie
One to Watch
- Appleberry Atelier – supported by LEO Wicklow – www.AppleberryAtelier.com (WINNER)
- Polly & Andy – supported by LEO Waterford – www.PollyandAndy.com
- CAYO – supported by LEO Limerick – www.CAYO-Brand.com
Sustainability
- WASI – supported by LEO Cork North & West – www.WASI.ie
- Bean Around – supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown – www.beanaround.ie
- EcoKinly – supported by LEO Wexford – www.TheNappyMarket.ie (WINNER)
It was also another strong year for Local Enterprise Showcase exhibitors as part of the Showcase Awards with several Local Enterprise Office client companies securing Awards and recognition through the Showcase Awards:
SHOWCASE AWARDS WINNERS
- Overall Best Product Award winner - Michael G O’Donoghue Carpentry from Kerry
- Local Enterprise Showcase Award winner - Crafty by Illiana from Dublin
- Best Product Category Award winners:
- o Fashion - Wendy Louise Designs from Longford
- o Home - Sam agus Nessa from Kildare
- o Gift - Hanna's Bees from Cork
- o Jewellery - Saw Framed from Cork City
- o Wellbeing - Paper + Cloud from Kerry
- o Sustainability Award - Martina Hamilton from Sligo
