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Presented by Chris Ashmore

245 - Business Matters, Ep 194: Ciaran McKenna of McKenna Londis, Buncrana and Drung

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245 - Business Matters, Ep 194: Ciaran McKenna of McKenna Londis, Buncrana and Drung

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore, speaks with Ciaran McKenna, who is the owner of two family run Londis stores in Inishowen, one in Buncrana, where he also has a Circle K filling station, and the other in Drung, Quigley’s Point, where they manage the fuel for Inishowen Co-op
A native of Monaghan, Ciaran comes from a family that have been working in retail and selling fuel for generations.
Recently he was selected by FBD insurance as one of seven small businesses around the country for a special advertising package tailored to their business.
To find out more about his business, Chris paid a visit to him in his Buncrana premises to find out more….
Wed, 08 May 2024 - 39min
244 - Business Matters, Ep 193: Celebrity-backed Muff Liquor Company breaks into US market

A Donegal based drinks company – whose products have attracted celebrity investors including Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Carr, and Ronan Keating – has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the US market.
The Muff Liquor Company has landed the lucrative deal with the Lucas Bols Company, one of the leading cocktail and spirits players in the worldwide cocktail market, who will now have the exclusive rights to import and distribute Muff Liquor products in the United States of America.
The Muff Liquor Company was founded in 2017 by Donegal native Laura Bonner, who was inspired by her grandfather Philip McClenaghan’s passion to create wonderful spirits.
Its current portfolio consists of the award-winning Irish Potato Gin, Irish Potato Vodka, and Irish Peated Whiskey.
Chris Ashmore spoke to her about about the development of the business, the celebrity investors, how her dream is been realised with the company, and how it continues her family’s distilling legacy in Inishowen.
Wed, 01 May 2024 - 40min
243 - Business Matters, Ep 192: Time to Speak on Eco Basket grocery store business

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore interviews Niall Speak, the founder of the Eco Basket company.
Having experienced sustainable and waste free shopping habits when he was living in Australia, Niall returned to his native Sion Mills and began the process to set up his company.
The Eco Basket has a wide range of products including spices, herbs, grains, toiletries and eco-friendly products and he has ambitions to be the leading Zero Waste Refill provider in Ireland.
The products can be ordered online and delivered in compostable packing, and he also has a shopping model based on customers bringing their own containers and filling them with as much of his products as they need before paying for the goods by weight or volume.
As well as grocery shoppers, the Eco Basket works with cafés, chefs, restaurants and zero waste stores across Ireland and the UK to offer wholesale orders.
Hugely enthusiastic, he also has ambitious plans for the future – including a possible vertical farm in Sion Mills.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Wed, 24 Apr 2024 - 41min
242 - Business Matters, Ep 191: Back to Gweedore from the Middle East with Helen Burke of Teambase Ireland

In this episode of Business Matters on Highland Radio with Chris Ashmore, we hear about a Donegal woman who returned to her native Gweedore after spending more than a decade in the insurance industry in the Middle East.
Helen Burke is the founder of Teambase Ireland whose business centres around simplifying and automating insurance administration business processes to enable insurance brokers to become more efficient, profitable, customer centric and innovative.
Listen here:

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 - 35min
241 - Business Matters, Ep 190: Donegal business Guestdiary.com’s growth includes expanding Vietnamese market
Donegal Town based GuestDiary.com offers a four in one software package for hotels and guesthouses that streamlines their booking systems.

The company, founded in 2008, has seen its staff numbers double to 16 and it continues to go from strength to strength.
Some 10% of its export sales now come from the Vietnamese market – and the aim is to grow this to 16% by the end of 2024.
The company recently moved to a new office in the Donegal Town Enterprise Centre.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with GuestDiary.com’s general manager Gerry Haughey, a proud Donegal man, who is upbeat about the firm’s future prospects.
Listen here:
Wed, 10 Apr 2024 - 42min
240 - Business Matters, Ep 189: Irish Food Awards, broadband survey findings, and business support clinics

In this episode of Business Matters with Chris Ashmore we’ll hear about Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, which is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.
Numerous Donegal firms have been successful in the past and many will enter again this year. Chris has been speaking with Fallon Moore, Events Coordinator, about the process, the blind tasting by judges, and the benefits from the publicity.
There is also an interview with Ronan Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer of fibre broadband network operator Siro, about research regarding broadband usage by businesses and a warning about a switch off of copper broadband which could have serious implications for some Donegal businesses.
And we’ll also hear from Philip O’Kennedy, business advisor with the Local Enterprise office in Donegal about the latest Business Support clinics that are coming up, both online and in person.
Listen here:

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 - 39min
239 - Business Matters, Ep 188: Credit Unions move with the times – plus digital payment growth for CleverCards

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at the big increase in credit union membership and the expansion of services offered by credit unions. He also looks at the surge in digital payments and the growth of an Irish company, CleverCards, and examines the trends as we becoming an increasingly cashless society.
Firstly, he get the views of David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, and finds out more about how credit unions are filling the gap left by the closure of many bank branches and how they now offer services including mortgages and current accounts.
Then, we hear from Kealan Lennon, founder and CEO of CleverCards, a digital payments platform that enables businesses to issue configurable Mastercards. As a leader in the fintech industry, Kealan has extensive insight into emerging trends in this sector.

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 - 38min
238 - Business Matters, Ep 186: Kinnegar Brewing is going from strength to strength
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Libby Carton , co-owner and co-founder with Rick LeVert, of Kinnegar Brewing.
The independent craft beer producer has expanded considerably since it first began in Rathmullan in 2011.
It now has a state-of-the-art brewery in Letterkenny, and has a core range of 12 beers, plus a number of seasonal specials.
Chris has been speaking to Libby about the company’s growth, the commissioning recently of a new bottling line, the challenges of dealing with the deposit return scheme for cans, and much more, including plans for the future, low-alcohol beers, and the hugely successful on-site brewery tours.
Listen here:
Wed, 13 Mar 2024 - 40min
237 - Business Matters, Ep 185: The Donegal Chocolate Man- who comes from Germany

On Business Matters this week, Chris has been speaking with Axel Pawlik (above), who is originally from Germany but who now lives in Portsalon.
Two years ago he began making high end and stunningly attractive chocolates, and his business has really taken off.
His brand is known as The Chocolate Man from Donegal.
He handcrafts all his chocolates or bon bons in the Old School Community Centre in Kerrykeel.
His creations not only taste wonderful, – they are a real work of art, and beautifully presented.
The collection features a wide variety of flavours, ranging from salted caramel and hazelnut praline to passionfruit & coconut, and blueberry & almond. He even has a selection of vegan chocolates.
Chris visited him in Kerrykeel to find out more.

Listen here:

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 - 45min
236 - Business Matters, Ep 184: From Malaysia to Donegal, The Medical Skin Clinic – plus Local Enterprise Week

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the Medical Skin Clinic in Donegal Town.
When Malaysian woman Farah Mydin came to Ireland first, little did she think that she would end up living in Donegal and running her own business.
Back in 2008, she qualified as a doctor from Trinity College Dublin and then completed her General Practice Vocational Training Scheme in a number of locations in Donegal.
She always had an interest in cosmetic procedures and facial aesthetics and began practicing medical aesthetics.
She founded the Medical Skin Clinic in Donegal Town, and Chris recently paid her a visit to find out more – and also got a couple of treatments!
But, before this, this edition begins with a look at Local Enterprise Week runs from March 4th to March 8th all over the country. Here in Donegal there are numerous events, with a number of high profile guest speakers and they are all free to attend but you do need to register.
This is a great chance to get some really useful information on a variety of topics as well as being an opportunity to network. Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal Co. Council has been giving more details.
Listen here:
Wed, 28 Feb 2024 - 41min
235 - Business Matters, Ep 183 – The changing face of apprenticeships and what they offer

On Business Matters this week, Chris has been finding out about apprenticeships and what they entail.
Traditionally, when you talk about apprenticeships what will spring to mind for most people are trades and crafts. Well, the apprenticeship programme in Ireland has changed beyond recognition over the past decade, with a growing number of both school-leavers and indeed people looking for a career change, looking at apprenticeships and what they offer.
While traditional apprenticeships are still very popular, in recent years there has been a noticeable increase in apprenticeships in a variety of sectors, ranging from financial services to engineering, from farming to hospitality, biopharma and retail.
Chris has been speaking with Vinny McGroary, Apprenticeship Manager with Donegal ETB, and Lorraine Murray, Senior Apprenticeship Training Advisor with Donegal ETB about what is on offer:
Listen here:

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 - 43min
234 - Business Matters, Ep 182 – Highland Radio Hospitality Awards, and Dearbhla Kelly, Enterprise Engagement Officer

In this episode, Chris Ashmore talks with Sean Quinn, Head of Sales at Highland Radio, about the recent, hugely successful, Highland Radio Hospitality Awards night that was held in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey.
He also has an in-depth interview with Dearbhla Kelly, Enterprise Engagement Officer with the Donegal Education and Training Board.
She outlines the large range of courses that are on offer, and explains how companies and individuals can benefit. Donegal ETB works closely with local firms and is to the forefront in development courses and programmes that meet the needs of local businesses and individuals in an ever-changing world.
Listen here:

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 - 47min
233 - Business Matters, Ep 181 – New car sales, plus Hanna Van der Walt, Bloem Coffee Shop

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore takes a close look at the latest new car sales registrations in Donegal and reveals what the most popular brand, make and colour were in the county for the key month of January, which traditionally sees more sales than any other month.
Meanwhile, his special guest this week is Hanna Van der Walt from South Africa. Three years ago she came to Ireland with her husband Walter – with the intention of being here for around a year.
In October, she ventured into business and opened her Bloem Coffee Shop in Letterkenny.
Firstly, Chris outlines the car stats and then we find out about Hanna’s journey as he visited her shop to hear her story:
Wed, 07 Feb 2024 - 37min
232 - Business Matters, Ep 180: Adam Graham – Recharge Recovery Room

In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Adam Graham of the Recharge Recovery Room which is based in the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny.
Adam, who has an extensive background in the fitness sector, set up the business last April and it is going from strength to strength.
It specialises in ice-baths and compression boots, and there is also a nice hot-tub to relax in after the ice-bath.
Adam has had a very positive feedback since opening and spoke with Chris about various aspects of the business.
For the full interview listen here:
Wed, 31 Jan 2024 - 40min
231 - Business Matters, Ep 179 – John Graham, Ballyholey Farm Shop

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore visits John Graham’s Ballyholey Farm Shop just outside Raphoe.
John’s family farm has been growing vegetables here in Raphoe for over 30 years. For many years they grew commercial potatoes, turnips and cabbages for wholesale customers but in 2015 they decided to change our business and we opened a small farm shop (known as the Log Cabin) where they sold our fresh vegetables, our eggs and some jams. Since then they have hugely expanded their range and they also stock other local produce ranging from cheeses to breads, home-bakes and even soap.

There’s now also a terrace for people to enjoy a cuppa and eat some of the great local food and artisan offerings.
To find out more, you can listen here:

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 - 42min
230 - Business Matters, Ep 178 – Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore’s guest is Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal Advisor at the Local Enterprise Office.
Food Coast Donegal is an initiative driven by the Local Enterprise Office to support, celebrate and grow the Donegal food sector.
Listen here:

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 - 44min
229 - Business Matters: Ep 177, Eugene Gallen – Bon Appetit

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Lifford man Eugene Gallen who set up Bon Appetit in June 2021. The company produces a range of cooked ready meals and has seen considerable growth in a short space of time.
Bon Appetit manufactures and supplies in bulk to retailers such as Supervalu, Spar and Centra as well as many local stores across the North and South of Ireland and produces meals fresh daily delivering them into the stores.

It is currently moving into new premises in Letterkenny, which were occupied many years ago by Boston Scientific. This will allow the company to increase production fourfold from 6,000 to 25,000 meals a week.
Chris visited the new premises to find out more.
Listen here:
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 - 42min
228 - Business Matters: Ep 176, Toni Forrester – Letterkenny Chamber

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Toni Forrester, Chief Executive Officer of Letterkenny Chamber.
Founded in 1965, the chamber will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year and plays a significant role in fostering business development and promoting opportunities to create a thriving business environment.
The chamber has grown considerably and now has more than 300 members, not just in Letterkenny but in other parts of the county too.
In this week’s episode, Toni reflects on 2023, looks ahead to 2024 and is upbeat about the future for Donegal’s largest town.

Listen here:
Wed, 03 Jan 2024 - 41min
227 - Business Matters: Ep 175, Adrian Boyle – Blistered Bread

On this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore is joined by Adrian Boyle, the founder of artisan bakery Blistered Bread in Letterkenny.
The Creeslough native spend many years in Australia before returning to Ireland a couple of years ago with his wife Niamh.
Blistered Bread is a family sourdough bakery that specialises in making handcraft breads and pastries using time and the finest natural ingredients, sourced locally where possible. They slow the process down for easier digestion and enhanced flavour.
Chris visited Adrian’s bakery to find out more about this business which recently won the Best Start up Award at the recent Donegal Enterprise Awards.
Listen here:
Wed, 27 Dec 2023 - 39min
226 - Business Matters: Ep 175, Ryan Allen – Irish Gap Year

On this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore is joined by Ryan Allen, Founding Director of Irish Gap Year.
The Bundoran based company has been running award-winning Gap Year Programmes in Ireland and indeed in Europe for a number of years, and currently employs 13 people in Donegal.
Recently, it won the Export Award at the Donegal Enterprise Awards.
Irish Gap Year is Europe’s first and only Gap Year Association accredited programme, and provides award-winning Gap Year programmes in Ireland, and Europe, for young people interested in learning more about themselves and the world they live in..
Listen here:
Wed, 20 Dec 2023 - 40min
225 - Business Matters: Ep 174, Neil Crossan – Living Green

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks to Inishowen entrepreneur and farmer Neil Crossan whose ‘Living Green’ business won the overall Donegal and Best-Established Enterprise Awards at the Donegal Enterprise Awards held earlier this month.
Established in 2003, Living Green is the largest producer of worms in Ireland and the UK, distributing live worms to fishing tackle shops.
He also has an organic compost business as well as growing wheatgrass from which they produce a wheat grass juice as well as now also doing turmeric and beetroot juice shots.

Listen back here:

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 - 41min
224 - Business Matters: Ep 173, Barry Doherty – C&B Agri Enterprise Limited

On this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore is joined by Kilcar man, Barry Doherty, who is Chief Executive Officer of Dunkineely-based C&B Agri Enterprise Limited.
The firm uses seaweed and fish extracts to manufacture a natural, sustainable product known as a bio-stimulant which can be used on crops to boost growth and quality.
He describes the bio-stimulant as a “multi-vitamin” for crops.
The potential market is vast and earlier this year, as he explained to Chris, a major multi-national Japanese company took a stake in the Donegal company and is now engaged in considerable research and development with numerous trials.

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 - 37min
223 - Business Matters Ep 172 Johnny Patterson

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Johnny Patterson, who set up and runs the award winning Johnny’s Ranch Gourmet Street Kitchen providing the very Best of Local produce from Farm to Fork & Sea.
Along with his sister Martina they have developed a great business that has got hugely positive feedback.

But along the way they have had to negotiate plenty of hurdles.
Listen here:
Wed, 29 Nov 2023 - 41min
222 - Business Matters Ep 171 – Hugh Bonner

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Hugh Bonner, managing director of publishing and event management company Mara Media which is based in Annagry.
Mara Media dates back to 2005 when Hugh – who has a very strong background in the fishing industry – bought the already established publication called The Skipper.
Since then the business has grown considerably and while it has come through some choppy waters it has also prospered under his shrewd stewardship and vision and now it is one of Ireland’s leading magazine publishers and it also runs a number of world class industry expos and events.
Listen here
Wed, 22 Nov 2023 - 41min
221 - Business Matters Ep 170 – Jacqui Fegan

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Jacqui Fegan, the founder and proprietor of Four Paws Boarding Kennels and Dog Hotel in Kilmacrennan.
Animal lover Jacqui went from working in a pharmacy to setting up her own kennels which have gone from strength to strength and with the help of husband Malachy have expanded considerably.

Recently, Four Paws was named as the Best Kennels in Ireland at the prestigious Local Pets Awards held at a gala presentation night in Dublin.
Listen back here:
Wed, 15 Nov 2023 - 35min
220 - Business Matters Ep 169 – Karen Murphy

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Karen Murphy of Karen Murphy Speech, Drama and Communications.
Her business dates back to 2006 and since then has grown considerably.
Karen runs her own school and also teaches students privately on an individual and small group basis.
She also teaches adults, and communications related classes and one-to-ones are an important part of her business too. Her courses have instilled a great deal of confidence and self-belief in many people, and can be very rewarding in all sorts of ways for the participants.
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Wed, 08 Nov 2023 - 46min
219 - Business Matters Ep 168 – Sarah Marie McDevitt

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Sarah Marie McDevitt, the managing owner of Pinehill Studios in Letterkenny, where she runs dance and fitness classes.
Her business dates back to 2013 when she began her journey to bring “Fun Fitness” to Letterkenny.
What was once a warehouse at the premises at the Pinehill Business Park at the Mountain Top has since been developed from two studios to five studios with a bright, modern atmosphere.
Listen back here:
Wed, 01 Nov 2023 - 46min
218 - Business Matters Ep 167 – Brian Gallagher

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of The Station House in Letterkenny, Brian Gallagher.
Brian began to explore the possibility of building a hotel on the family site along Oldtown Road in 2002. Construction began in September 2005 and the 81-bedroom hotel opened its doors on August 1st, 2006.
Built by local contactors, Boyle Construction, The Station Hotel employs a team of 50 people.
Listen back here:
Wed, 18 Oct 2023 - 44min
217 - Business Matters Ep 166 – Trish Hegarty

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Inis Communications, Trish Hegarty.
Trish worked as a journalist with the Irish Times, RTÉ and BBC Radio Foyle before setting up her PR, social media, and digital content agency in 2004.
Inis Communications recently launched the Inis ExPRtise PR toolkit for SMEs with limited time and budgets. The toolkit is a custom-built integrated system for creating plans and calendar data specific to each client, combined with one-to-one online mentoring sessions. This information is stored in a client membership area and is fully accessible and editable for the duration of the life of the account.
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Wed, 11 Oct 2023 - 36min
216 - Business Matters Ep 165 – James Russell, Eamon Russell & Denise McTeague

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder of Glenard Plant in Letterkenny, James Russell, and his son, Eamon, and daughter, Denise McTeague, who took over the running of the business based at Tara Court in 2016.
James set up Glenard Plant with the help and support of his wife, Anne, and the business currently employs 21 people.
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Wed, 04 Oct 2023 - 41min
215 - Business Matters Ep 163 – Seán McVeigh, John T. Fries & Larissa Feeney

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the Chief Commercial Officer with Precision Sports Technology, Seán McVeigh, about securing an investment of $100,000 from three US-based businessmen at the Alpha Innovation event in Rathmullan last Friday.
Ciaran also speaks to one of those investors, John T Fries, who was presented with the the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award in Buncrana the following evening.
And it’s that time of the year again when Business Matters looks ahead to the ACORNS programme – now in its ninth year – with CEO of Accountant Online, Larissa Feeney.
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Wed, 20 Sep 2023 - 46min
214 - Business Matters Ep 162 – Willie McCarter

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is former managing director of Fruit of the Loom and former Chair of the International Fund For Ireland, Willie McCarter, who now works as an independent advisor.
Four days after graduating from Trinity College in Economics and Political Science in 1969, he began his masters degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Willie came home in 1971 to work in the family’s underwear-making business, WP McCarter, and the following year, he became managing director at the age of 25 following the death of his uncle, Willie.
McCarters signed a deal with Fruit of the Loom in 1987 and it became a major employer in Donegal and Derry during a 20 year period. At full capacity, Fruit of the Loom employed 3,000 people and produced one million t-shirts and 400,000 sweatshirts per week.
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Wed, 13 Sep 2023 - 50min
213 - Business Matters Ep 161 – Liam Langan – Playback edition
On this week’s Business Matters, we go back to an interview in February when Ciaran O’Donnell spoke to Liam Langan from Dunfanaghy.
Liam set up his quantity surveying practice with a former work colleague, Jason Tully, in 2012. Headquartered in Dublin, the company opened a second office in Letterkenny last year and currently employs 22 people.
Buildcost has recently secured contracts in the UK and is planning to have a bigger presence there over the coming years.
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Wed, 06 Sep 2023 - 30min
212 - Business Matters Ep 160 – Thomas Ellis – Playback edition

On this week’s Business Matters, we go back to an interview in January when Ciaran O’Donnell spoke to the co-owner of Donegal Bees in Glencolmcille, Thomas Ellis
A former carpenter, Thomas set up the company in 2013, and in 2020 Áine Curran became a co-owner.
Donegal Bees has the only wax-processing facility in Ireland and a product range of almost 900.
Donegal Bees won the “Green Award” at the 2022 Donegal Enterprise Awards, hosted by the Donegal Local Enterprise Office.
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Wed, 30 Aug 2023 - 37min
211 - Business Matters Ep 159 – Linda McClean & Siobhan Grant

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Mallow Mia in Newtowncunningham, Linda McClean. The food scientist turned gourmet marshmallow and rocky roads maker, set up the business in 2014, and in 2020 she opted to go full-time at the venture.
After graduating from Queens and completing her masters degree in Aberdeen, Linda spent the next 15 years working in Germany, Holland, Belgium and England in product development. Last month, she opened a new workshop where people of all ages can enjoy the experience of creating their own custom-made treats.
Ciaran also talks to the Tech North West Skillnet Network Manager, Siobhan Grant, about the Leadtech programme that begins in September. The programme will be delivered by Garrett Harte and Raelene McAteer.
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Wed, 23 Aug 2023 - 42min
210 - Business Matters Ep 158 – Joe & Tracey Alexander

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the owners of Alexander’s of Ballybofey, Joe and Tracey Alexander. The business was taken over from the McClure family by Joe’s parents in 1960 and has been trading successfully since.
Joe bought over the shop and became the sole owner in 1989. And in 2019, his wife, Tracey, who had been a medical secretary for 23 years at a local practice, began to work full-time in the business. Alexander’s, which has a coffee loft, a book shop, a grocery section and a DIY department, currently employs a team of 15 people.
Tracey is a member of the recently formed group, Stronger Together, which is run under the auspices of the Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce.
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Wed, 16 Aug 2023 - 40min
209 - Business Matters Ep 157 – Fiona Murphy & Mairtín Kelly

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owner of Citadel Gymnastics in Letterkenny and Gweedore, Fiona Murphy, and the owner of Kelly’s Centra and Kelly’s Diner in Letterkenny, Mairtín Kelly.
Having graduated in mechanical engineering, Fiona Murphy decided to leave her job as a project engineer in Donegal Town and set up her own gymnastics company in Letterkenny in 2018. The following year, Citadel opened up its second centre in Gweedore. Citadel currently employs 23 people, has 16 young leaders and has recently embarked on a new recruitment campaign.
Last month Mairtín Kelly unveiled the last addition to his team at Kelly’s Diner – a robotic waiter powered by artificial intelligence, which is proving a big hit with both staff and patrons. The robot was officially named “Oreo” last week and according to Mairtín, it could be the first of a number of AI devices which will be used by businesses like his to improve efficiency.
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Wed, 09 Aug 2023 - 48min
208 - Business Matters Ep 156 – Terance Boyle

On this week’s Busines Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by hairdresser, Terance Boyle.
A native of Kilcar, Terance left school at the age of 14 and after a number of jobs, he decided to pursue a career in the hair industry when he moved to Letterkenny, spending the next ten years with Patrick Gildea.
Terance set up his first salon at The Silver Tassie Hotel in Letterkenny in 2009, has since opened salons in The Courtyard Shopping Centre in Letterkenny and Ramelton, and also operates a mobile barber service.
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Wed, 02 Aug 2023 - 34min
207 - Business Matters Ep 155 – Louis Boyce & Deirdre McColgan

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by local estate agent, Louis Boyce. A native of Carrigart with a strong background in retail, Louis set up a property agency with Denis Faulkner in Letterkenny 20 years ago.
He left the company in 2014 and spent the next three years in London. Louis went back into the property business three years ago when he set up Louis Boyce Estate Agents.
Ciaran also talks to the quality manager with Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training Services, Deirdre McColgan, about the new tertiary degrees launched recently by Minister Simon Harris.
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Wed, 26 Jul 2023 - 39min
206 - Business Matters Ep 154 – Shannon Porter

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder and owner of The Miik Bar in Carrigans, Shannon Porter.
Shannon’s family owns a large dairy farm that comprises 450 cows and 200 ewes on 800 acres. She graduated with an Honours Degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University in 2021, and a few months later she opened Donegal’s first milk bar after an investment of around €100,000.
Shannon also has a full-time job with Smyths Daleside as a sales representative for animal feed.
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Wed, 19 Jul 2023 - 43min
205 - Business Matters Ep 153 – Oliver McBride

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Oliver McBride, editor of The Fishing Daily and director at Salt Water Media. After working in a number of different jobs while combining his third-level studies, Oliver set up The Fishing Daily in September 2019, and in January 2020 the news platform went live
In 2021, he set up Salt Water Media Ltd with Michael MacGinty, owner of MEANit, the locally based web design company.
Supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta, Salt Water Media provides marketing services for businesses seeking to promote themselves and their culture through the use of Irish and other languages.
A native of Downings, Oliver hopes Salt Water Media will expand and create up to four jobs, and also has plans to increase the growth of The Fishing Daily.
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Wed, 12 Jul 2023 - 49min
204 - Business Matters Ep 152 – Ciarán McHugh & Toni Forrester

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner and founder of the Sliabh Liag Campsite in Teelin, Ciarán McHugh. The seven-acre site was developed in 2021 and around 250 people stayed there over the June bank holiday weekend.
Last month the Sliabh Liag Campsite won Campsite of the Year at the Irish Hospitality Awards in Dublin. A teacher and youth worker, Ciarán currently employs five young people at his facility.
Ciaran also talks to the CEO at Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Toni Forrester, about the chamber’s business awards for 2023 which will be presented in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny on Friday, November 10th.
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Wed, 05 Jul 2023 - 40min
203 - Business Matters Ep 151 – James McDevitt

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owner of the Caisleáin Óir Hotel and the co-owner of Errigal Brewing in Annagry, James McDevitt.
Caisleáin Óir, which employs around 60 people, was opened in 2002, and last year, James and his sister, Anita, secured a license for their brewery. A qualified secondary school teacher, James has a huge passion for the hospitality sector and massive grá for the Annagry area.
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Wed, 28 Jun 2023 - 52min
202 - Business Matters Ep 150 – Shaun Doohan, Amy Doohan, Cllr Anthony Molloy & Brendan Bradas O’Donnell

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Shaun Doohan and his daughter, Amy, who along with Shaun’s mother, Margaret, run the well-known Shamrock Lodge in Falcarragh which won Pub of the Year at the recent Highland Radio Customer Appreciation Awards.
Ciaran also speaks to Donegal County Councillor, Anthony Molloy, and Brendan Bradas O’Donnell, who is a member of the Brian Friel Trust about Donegal County Council’s decision to lease the former courthouse in Glenties, together with its enclosed yard, to the Brian Friel Trust. An estimated €4.5 million will be spent to transform the old courthouse into the Brian Friel Centre which is set to create up to 30 full-time jobs.
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Wed, 21 Jun 2023 - 30min
201 - Business Matters Ep 149 – Fionnuala Rabbitt & Mary Lou McDonald

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the CEO of Highland Radio and Letterkenny Chamber President, Fionnuala Rabbitt, who hosted the chamber president’s annual lunch in the Radisson Hotel on Friday afternoon.
Ciaran also speaks to the leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald, who delivered the keynote address at the Letterkenny Chamber event which was attended by around 150 people.
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Wed, 14 Jun 2023 - 47min
200 - Business Matters Ep 148 – Garbhán Downey

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Colmcille Press in Derry and spokesperson for the Derry University Group, Garbhán Downey.
A former journalist with the Irish News, the Sunday Times, the Belfast Telegraph and the Derry Journal, he was also the editor of the Derry News. In 2005, Garbhán moved into the publishing sector through Guildhall Press and three years ago, he set up Colmcille Press. His latest publication – “The Handy Wee Guide to Derry” – has just gone on sale.
Garbhán is currently working on 25 books and is planning to have four of those published before the end of the year.
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Wed, 07 Jun 2023 - 46min
199 - Business Matters Ep 147 – Thomas Costello

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of TC Promotions based on Arranmore Island, Thomas Costello.
A native of Aranmore, Thomas began his DJing career as a 14-year-old in Smuggler’s Nightclub in 1990. After a number of years working in construction which took him to London, Limerick and Dublin, Thomas returned to Donegal and set up TC Promotions in 2012.
He was the director of the Mary from Dungloe in 2013 and has been entertainment manager at The Pulse and Voodoo nightclubs in Letterkenny since 2015. In 2020, Thomas added marquee hire to his company’s list of services.
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Wed, 31 May 2023 - 46min
198 - Business Matters Ep 146 – Patrick McLaughlin & Aine Moyne Grieve

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the managing director of Silver Strand Rope Works in Moville, Patrick McLaughlin. Patrick set up his business at the age of 17 at the same time he was sitting his Leaving Certificate in 1990.
Back in December, Silver Strand Rope Works, which is the only producer of rope in Ireland, was announced as the overall winner at the Donegal Enterprise Awards. On Thursday, June 1st, the Inishowen company will be competing with the winners from the 31 Local Enterprise Office areas around the country at the National Enterprise Awards in Dublin.
Ciaran also talks to the owner of Comet Textile Printers, Aine Moyne Grieve, who was one of the guest speakers at the Business Cost-Saving Advice Clinic held in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on Monday by the Donegal Local Enterprise Office. After working in Holland for ten years, Aine returned to Ireland and formed her own business in 2003. During Monday’s presentation, she spoke about how a green approach and the Green For Micro Programme have benefitted her business.
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Wed, 24 May 2023 - 39min
197 - Business Matters Ep 145 – Ciaran Blaney & Kevin Sexton

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the co-owner of Bugger Jacks in Milford, Ciaran Blaney. The 24-year-old set up the business at Lagg Service Station in Milford in July 2019. The takeaway outlet at Milford Retail Park was opened in February 2022 and a few months later, Burger Jacks 45-seater restaurant opened next door.
Ciaran also speaks to the Head of Innovation for the new Alpha Innovation Centre in Letterkenny, Kevin Sexton, about what the state-of-the-art facility will provide when it opens in May 2025.
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Wed, 17 May 2023 - 44min
196 - Business Matters Ep 144 – Lisa Wallace & Brenda Hegarty

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Orchard Stables at Manorcunningham, Lisa Wallace, and the Head of Enterprise at Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office, Brenda Hegarty.
A native of Austria, Lisa Wallace first came to Ireland on a family holiday in 2012 and soon after, she returned to spend six months working as an au pair in Galway. After studying to become a teacher in Austria, Lisa relocated to Donegal in 2017 and in January 2020, she decided to work full-time at the stables next to her home.
Ciaran also previews the Business Cost Saving Clinic that’s taking place in Letterkenny on Monday, May 22nd, with the Head of Enterprise at Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office, Brenda Hegarty. The objective of the event is to educate Donegal micro businesses and SMEs on the cost-saving competitiveness support available from LEO Donegal.
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Wed, 10 May 2023 - 47min
195 - Business Matters Ep 143 – Paul McGonigle, Andrew Ward & Claire Irwin

Last Thursday saw the launch of the Inishowen Sustainable Energy Community’s strategic plan in the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel.
Business Matters presenter, Ciaran O’Donnell, travelled to the launch and spoke to a number of people who are involved in the plan aimed at creating a decarbonised and more sustainable Inishowen.
These included the joint CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership, Andrew Ward, Claire Irwin of Irwin Consulting who delivered the keynote address, and IDP team lead and a member of the ISEC committee, Paul McGonigle, who acted as MC for the launch of the comprehensive 84-page plan.
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Wed, 03 May 2023 - 38min
194 - Business Matters Ep 142 – John Reilly

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the owner of The Wheelhouse Cafe in Burtonport, John Reilly.
Fourteen people are employed at The Wheelhouse and he is set to create six new jobs when his glamping site, which will accommodate nine pods, opens in June.
John moved from Scotland to Burtonport as a ten-year-old in 1976 and became a full-time fisherman at the age of 16. He began working for the late Kevin McHugh from Killybegs in 1993 and skippered the New Veronica and Atlantic Dawn and fishing vessels.
John has recently returned from his latest fishing trip off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea.
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Wed, 26 Apr 2023 - 36min
193 - Business Matters Ep 141 – Clive Alcorn

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Alcorn’s Garden Centre and the owner of Tropical World in Letterkenny, Clive Alcorn.
Clive’s late parents, Tommy and Martha, set up a flower shop at Loughnagin in the eighties and Clive began working full-time in the business while still a teenager.
When his father retired, Clive formed Alcorn’s Limited along with his brother, John, and sister, Caroline, who both run Alcorn’s Flowers.
It was always Clive’s ambition to establish his own zoo and in 2011 he opened Tropical World which attracts 40,000 visitors annually.
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Wed, 19 Apr 2023 - 46min
192 - Business Matters Ep 140 – Stevie Toye & Patrick Stewart

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Letterkenny-based graphic designer and photographer, Stevie Toye, and the owner of Ards Coffee Tree, Patrick Stewart.
After graduating from Letterkenny IT, Stevie Toye worked as a graphic designer for a number of local newspapers and Browne’s Printers in Letterkenny before branching out on his own. He covered his first wedding as a paid photographer in 2017 and in February he was named Irish Wedding Photographer of the Year for 2023.
Patrick Stewart opened Ards Coffee Tree in Ards Forest Park along with his wife, Karen, in 2017. The lockdowns in 2020 saw a notable rise in the number of visitors to Ards Forest Park, and that increase in footfall held firm in 2021 and 2022. Much of Ards Coffee Tree stock is sourced locally, with its full range of tray bakes supplied by An Panc Patisserie in Falcarragh.
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Wed, 12 Apr 2023 - 38min
191 - Business Matters Ep 139 – Mary Meehan & Aishling Meehan

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Mary Meehan, owner of Veve Boutique and V2 which are both located in Donegal Town, and her daughter, Aishling, who has been working full-time in the business for the last three years.
Verve Boutique was established in 1999 and last year it was named Irish Retailer of the Year by the Small Firms Association.
Mary currently employs a team of 15 and is planning to set up her own warehouse for the online side of the business.
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Wed, 05 Apr 2023 - 32min
190 - Business Matters Ep 137 – Joe Gallagher

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the founder of Joe Gallagher Entertainment based in Strabane, Joe Gallagher.
Joe took his first steps in the entertainment business as a 14-year-old DJ, and his DJ work subsequently took him to Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and Greece. He set up Joe Gallagher Entertainment in 1983 and has worked with the biggest names in the music world.
He managed The Drifters for ten years and is currently looking after the 25th anniversary tour of Michael Flatley’s Lord of The Dance that commenced in Dublin last month.
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Tue, 28 Mar 2023 - 46min
189 - Business Matters Ep 136 – Andrew McElhinney & Tara McGuire

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of O’Donnell’s Bakery in Laghey, Andrew McElhinney, and recruitment officer with Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training Services, Tara McGuire.
On Christmas Eve in 2010, O’Donnell’s Bakery, which was established in 1969, closed down. Within a month, Andrew McElhinney, who had been a bread agent for the previous five years, bought the Laghey-based business along with his wife, Kathleen.
Twelve years on, it’s very much a family affair, with his daughters, Sarah-Ann and Lynn, also working full-time in the business. O’Donnell’s Bakery launched its Atlantic Wheaten in Aldi stores in 2019 and recently secured a contract with Dunnes Stores.
Donegal ETB is the largest education and training provider in the county. Its Further Education and Training Service provides education and training for around 12,000 students each year. Tara McGuire talks about the ability of the statutory body to continue to change and adapt to meet the needs of the various sectors and businesses locally.
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Wed, 22 Mar 2023 - 44min
188 - Business Matters Ep 135 – Lorna Macaulay & Matthias Uhlich

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the CEO of the Harris Tweed Authority, Lorna Macaulay, who helped Donegal ETB develop the country’s first-ever certified weaving course that was launched last year.
Ciaran also speaks to Errigal College TY student, Matthias Uhlich, winner of the Donegal Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise Programme for 2023.
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Wed, 15 Mar 2023 - 45min
187 - Business Matters Ep 134 – Paul McNulty, Bobby Kerr & Simon Coveney

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by entrepreneur and presenter of Newstalk’s Down To Business show, Bobby Kerr, and founder of 3D Issue, Paul McNulty, who were part of the first event of Donegal Enterprise Week that was launched on Monday.
Ciaran also talks to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, who delivered the keynote speech at the recent Building Better Business conference at Donegal’s ATU campus in Letterkenny.
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Wed, 08 Mar 2023 - 41min
186 - Business Matters Ep 133 – Fabian McShane

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the managing director of IHeating & Cooling Ltd, Fabian McShane.
A qualified plumber and fitter, Fabian’s background is in engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration.
He set up IHeating & Cooling Ltd, which specialises in air-to-water heat pumps, in 2017.
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Wed, 01 Mar 2023 - 29min
185 - Business Matters Ep 132 – Liam Langan

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the director of Buildcost, Liam Langan. Liam set up his quantity surveying practice with a former work colleague, Jason Tully, in 2012.
Headquartered in Dublin, the company opened a second office in Letterkenny last year and currently employs 22 people.
Buildcost has recently secured contracts in the UK and is planning to have a bigger presence there in 2023.
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Wed, 22 Feb 2023 - 31min
184 - Business Matters Ep 131 – Isobel Sangha

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder of Donegal Natural Soap Company in Glenties, Isobel Sangha.
Isobel began making soap for family and friends and set up her company in 2010. As a member of the Guaranteed Irish team, Isobel is always searching for new Irish ingredients to use and promote in her product range which currently stands at 35.
A graduate of Aeronautical Engineering, Isobel also holds a master’s degree in Bioengineering.
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Wed, 15 Feb 2023 - 27min
183 - Business Matters Ep 130 – Denis Curran

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is the Head of Regions, Property, and Enterprise Development with IDA Ireland, Denis Curran.
Established in 1949, the IDA is the state agency responsible for promoting Ireland for foreign direct investment.
A native of Letterkenny, Denis has been with IDA Ireland for 24 years and his first role was working with the global businesses services division.
IDA Ireland currently employs 330 people throughout its 22 overseas offices and ten regional offices.
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Wed, 08 Feb 2023 - 38min
182 - Business Matters Ep 129 – Tommy McCafferty

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the owner of Ghost Productions and owner of Kickboxing LK, Tommy McCafferty.
Tommy’s decision to buy a camera to help market and promote Kickboxing LK led to him setting up Ghost Productions in 2018, and his first paid job was for a gym in Strabane.
Since then, he’s moved into the lifestyle and commercial sectors.
A two-time world kickboxing champion, Tommy also has a degree in architecture.
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Wed, 01 Feb 2023 - 28min
181 - Business Matters Ep 128 – Thomas Ellis

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owner of Donegal Bees in Glencolumbkille, Thomas Ellis.
A former carpenter, Thomas set up the company in 2013, and Áine Curran became a co-owner three years ago. Donegal Bees has the only wax processing facility in Ireland and a product range of almost 900.
Donegal Bees won the “Green Award” at the 2022 Donegal Enterprise Awards, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, in December.
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Wed, 25 Jan 2023 - 37min
180 - Business Matters Ep 127 – Catherine Devine & Toni Forrester

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the founder of Pumpskynz, Catherine Devine, and Letterkenny Chamber CEO, Toni Forrester.
In 2020, local journalist, Catherine Devine decided to quit her role with the Donegal News to invest all of her working time into her company, Pumkskynz, which makes silicone gel covers for diabetes equipment such as insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems.
Catherine has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2013 and has considerable insight into what people with the condition need.
Pumkskynz has distribution partnerships in 16 countries, from South America, across Europe and the Middle East, and this week the Donegal company will launch on a new American platform.
Ciaran also discusses the sales of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Shop LK cards for 2022 which topped €4 million with Toni Forrester.
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Wed, 18 Jan 2023 - 45min
179 - Business Matters Ep 126 – Patsy McGonagle

On this week’s edition, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is the team leader at Finn Valley AC, Patsy McGonagle.
Patsy was to the fore when the club purchased a disused factory in Stranorlar in the early 80s for £32,000 sterling. Over the last 40 years, the building has expanded to become a vibrant, multi-purpose centre that employs around 50 people, while up to ten others work at the centre independently.
A former lecturer at Letterkenny IT, Patsy was appointed chairman of DLDC in October, 2018. He was also manager of the Irish athletics senior team from 1999 to 2017.
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Wed, 11 Jan 2023 - 43min
178 - Business Matters Ep 125 – Paul Kelly

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Paul Kelly, a director with Irish company, Harcourt Technologies, which is providing the 3D construction printing technology for a housing development in Lancashire in England.
The social housing project will comprise 46 units and a community centre for homeless army veterans and low-income families. It’s being backed by Accrington Council with the assistance of the homeless charity – “Building for Humanity”.
Paul graduated from the University of Dundee School of Architecture in 2004 and qualified as a Chartered Architect in 2005. Since then, he had held senior positions in a number of architectural practices leading design teams on the delivery of numerous high-profile projects.
Harcourt Technologies is made up of architects, engineers, and material scientists and the company’s mission is to provide housing in a more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient manner using 3D construction printing technology.
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Wed, 04 Jan 2023 - 27min
177 - Business Matters Ep 124 – Liam Cassidy – Playback edition

On this week’s Business Matters, we dip into the archives for this replay edition which features Ciaran O’Donnell’s interview with Liam Cassidy first aired in May 2022.
Liam is known as ‘The Serial Factory Fixer’, having turned around the fortunes of factories and supply chains all over the world.
Now living in Newbridge in Co. Kildare, the Donegal native shared the secret to his success in his book “Make Your Factory Great And Keep It That Way” which was published earlier this year.
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Wed, 28 Dec 2022 - 39min
176 - Business Matters Ep 123 – Oisin Crawford & Jason McGeehan

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owners of MGC Tree Services at Milltown, New Mills, Oisin Crawford and Jason McGeehan.
Oisin and Jason have been friends for over twenty years. Having worked together on different projects with other companies, they set up their own tree surgery company in December 2020.
They have recently invested in new equipment and are planning to increase the size of their team in 2023.
The pair also share a love of Gaelic football and Glenswilly GAA Club.
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Wed, 21 Dec 2022 - 32min
175 - Business Matters Ep 122 – Mark McCloskey & David McHale

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the co-owner of Evolve Clothing, Mark McCloskey, who opened Evolve at Letterkenny Retail Park with his brother, JP, in 2008. They relocated to a larger unit and the current store is over 9,000 square feet.
Evolve has shipped goods to 70 different countries in 2022 and won the Fashion and Footwear Website of the Year Award for 2022.
Ciaran also speaks to Errigal College teacher, David McHale, about the recent opening of the STEM and Coding Lab at the Letterkenny secondary school which is being funded by Optum.
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Wed, 14 Dec 2022 - 42min
174 - Business Matters Ep 121 – Edel MacBride

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is award-winning knitwear designer, Edel MacBride.
She sold her first item at an arts and crafts fair at the age of 12, and went on to study fashion design at Limerick Technical College in 1984.
Edel won the Late Late Show Designer of the Year Award in 1995 and her work takes her all over the world. Her passion for Aran-knitting, which she inherited from her late grandmother who was the dressmaker in Convoy, remains as strong as ever.
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Wed, 07 Dec 2022 - 49min
173 - Business Matters Ep 120 – Ciaran McGarvey

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the owner of Batch Coffee House Bar and Kitchen in Falcarragh, Ciaran McGarvey.
After graduating with a BA in Economics at DCU, Ciaran worked in Lifestyle Sports in Dublin for two years before returning to Donegal to take up the role of food and beverage manager at Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy. He opened Batch in March 2019 and the premises were renovated.
Batch has a seating capacity of 50 and can accommodate the same number in the outdoor area at the back of the building.
Ciaran’s initial team of 16 employees has grown to 26.
Wed, 30 Nov 2022 - 44min
172 - Business Matters Ep 119 – Padraic Fingleton

Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest on this week’s Business Matters is the CEO of Donegal Local Development Company, Padraic Fingleton.
DLDC, which was established in 1995, provides a wide range of support to individuals, communities and voluntary groups across Donegal. DLDC’s 80 staff are currently working on 13 programmes.
Earlier this month, its three-year strategic plan was launched by the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien.
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Wed, 23 Nov 2022 - 37min
171 - Business Matters Ep 118 – Nikki Bradley

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to motivational speaker and owner of The Motivation Factory, Nikki Bradley.
Nikki was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and often deadly form of bone cancer, when she was 16, and that diagnosis had a huge influence on the path her life would take.
She set up her own businesses in 2013 and has worked with Vodafone, Facebook, Pay-Pal, Bank of Ireland, The Irish Cancer Society and The Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
Nikki is back on the motivational speaking circuit having undergone life-changing surgery in February.
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Wed, 16 Nov 2022 - 39min
170 - Business Matters Ep 117 – Stephen Shiels

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Doherty’s Butchers in Letterkenny, Stephen Shiels.
Stephen has been a butcher for 37 years, having started his trade with the late Paddy Kelly on Letterkenny’s Upper Main Street next to Dillon’s Supermarket.
When Paddy retired nine years later, Stephen moved to Doherty’s Butchers and subsequently secured a position at Doherty’s Butchers on Main Street. In 2008, he bought the business from Gerard McGinley, and in 2017, Stephen relocated to Pearse Road.
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Wed, 09 Nov 2022 - 35min
169 - Business Matters Ep 116 – Brendan McGlynn & Steven Perry

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Letterkenny estate agent and owner of The Quiet Moment Tea Rooms, Brendan McGlynn.
Brendan has been an estate agent in Letterkenny for 30 years. After working in Kelly’s Mills, he moved to New Ireland Insurance and four years later he set up his own life brokerage. He opened The Quiet Moment Tea Rooms on Upper Main Street in 1994 and between his two businesses, he employs 15 people.
Ciaran also looks ahead to the 2022 Buy Donegal Campaign that gets underway on Friday, November 11th, with Economic Development Officer with Donegal County Council, Steven Perry.
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Wed, 02 Nov 2022 - 30min
168 - Business Matters Ep 115 – Meabh Conaghan

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Meabh Conaghan, Regional Director with Enterprise Ireland for the West and North West.
Meabh worked in the family-owned business, McFadden’s Hotel in Gortahork, from a young age. After graduating from the University of Galway, she spent six years in London before returning home to run the family hotel for five years. She also set up the Avalon store which operated in Letterkenny from to 1995 to 2004.
She joined Enterprise Ireland in 2000 and has just recently been given the responsibility for the counties of Donegal and Sligo.
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Wed, 26 Oct 2022 - 41min
167 - Business Matters Ep 114 – Peter & Elizabeth McIntyre

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the owners of the Allingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran, Peter and Elizabeth McIntyre, who are set to retire at the end of the month after nearly 30 years at the helm.

The couple married in 1991, and two years year they began working at the hotel which had just 24 bedrooms. Over the years, the hotel has undergone a number of phased expansions and redevelopments and today it has 132 bedrooms. When operating at full capacity during the tourist season, the hotel employs up to 100 people.

The Allingham Arms has been bought by Elizabeth’s brother, Conor McEniff, and will be managed by Peter and Elizabeth’s children, Sean and Aine.

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Wed, 19 Oct 2022 - 33min
166 - Business Matters Ep 113 – Marie Shields

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Marie Shields, Business Development Executive with Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and founder of Moss Marketing.
A digital marketing professional, she set up her own company five years ago. She also has her own podcast, No Other Craic, which she established with her friend, Trish Geraghty, back in the summer.
Marie took up her role with Letterkenny Chamber last month.
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Wed, 12 Oct 2022 - 29min
165 - Business Matters Ep 112 – Liam Porter

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Liam Porter, a life-long member of Raphoe FC and secretary and director of Raphoe Community Sports Development Limited which won the 2021 National Lottery Good Causes Award in the sport and recreation category.
Raphoe FC, which has 14 teams, moved to its purpose-built facility at Drumineney in 2020.
Liam has held every position on the club’s officer board and has recently taken a step back from the day-to-day running of the club.
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Wed, 05 Oct 2022 - 45min
164 - Business Matters Ep 111 – Mary Bradley

On this week’s show, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by wellbeing coach and founder of The One Good Hour in Letterkenny, Mary Bradley.
Mary has been teaching at Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny for ten years.
She began meditating in her early 20s, and earlier this year she decided to set up her own business to help people release the stress of everyday life and become a calmer and more content version of themselves.
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Wed, 28 Sep 2022 - 31min
163 - Business Matters Ep 110 – Lorcan Roarty

On this week’s Business Matters Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Lorcan Roarty, owner of Rose’s Bar and owner of The Wild Atlantic Camp which are both located in Creeslough.
Lorcan bought the bar on his return from a spell in the US in 2004.
A quantity surveyor by profession, the Creeslough native has plans to further expand The Wild Atlantic Camp which opened in 2013 with six glamping pods and 12 motorhome bays.
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Wed, 21 Sep 2022 - 41min
162 - Business Matters Ep 109 – Joe Gibson

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Joe Gibson, owner of J. Gibson Promotions and fiddle player with Sailor Bill. Joe was raised with traditional music, began playing the fiddle at the age of eight, and got £20 for his first paid gig at a cottage in Creeslough at the age of 13.
He set up his own company with the help of DLDC a number of years ago and is planning to tour Europe with Sailor Bill next year.
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Wed, 14 Sep 2022 - 35min
161 - Business Matters Ep 108 – Leonard Watson & Larissa Feeney

On this week’s programme, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the owner of Watson’s Menswear on Letterkenny’s Upper Main Street, Leonard Watson.
When the menswear store in Letterkenny he’d worked in for twenty years closed in 2010, Leonard Watson wasn’t sure what to do next. After some soul-searching and receiving the necessary support from those close to him, he decided to open up his own menswear store. Ten years on, he’s glad he did.
Ciaran also speaks to Larissa Feeney, founder and CEO of the multi-award-winning company, Accountant Online, who will be a lead entrepreneur on the next ACORN’S programme which gets underway in October. This will be the third year the Donegal-based businesswoman will be helping out with the initiative that supports early-stage entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland.
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Wed, 07 Sep 2022 - 30min
160 - Business Matters Ep 106 – Mary Bradley – Playback edition

On this week’s Business Matters, our dip into the archives takes us back to Ciaran O’Donnell’s chat with Mary Bradley, owner of the well-known Pat’s Pizza which she set up in Letterkenny with her husband, Pat, in 1984.
During the interview, Mary revealed that after many months of deliberation, she had decided that Pat’s On The Square, which closed during the pandemic, would not be reopening.
This podcst was first aired back in May.
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Wed, 31 Aug 2022 - 41min
159 - Business Matters Ep 106 – Brian McDaid – Playback edition

On this week’s Business Matters, we dip into the archives to feature Ciaran O’Donnell’s chat with Letterkenny photographer and owner of Cristeph Gallery, Brian McDaid.
Ciaran spoke to Brian in the back office of his studio on Convent Road and this edition was first broadcast back in January.
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Wed, 24 Aug 2022 - 46min
158 - Business Matters Ep 105 – Sean McNulty

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the managing director of Rethink Money Limited, Sean McNulty.
A native of Letterkenny, Sean started out as a financial advisor in 2007.
Rethink Money Limited, which has been nine years in the making, is fully licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Sean’s mission is to harness technology to make personal finance simple and easy to understand.
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Wed, 17 Aug 2022 - 38min
157 - Business Matters Ep 104 – Carmel Munroe & Kristine Reynolds

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to business development manager with Bibby Financial Services, Carmel Munroe. Carmel worked with Ulster Bank in the North West for over 30 years and is enjoying her new role with Bibby which she took up back in March.
Ciaran will also be talking all things business awards with Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce President, Kristine Reynolds. The deadline for entries and nominations for the 2022 Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Business Awards is Saturday, August 20th. This year’s awards will be presented at a gala ball on Friday, November 11th, in the Mount Errigal Hotel.
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Wed, 10 Aug 2022 - 37min
156 - Business Matters Ep 103 – Gordon Randles

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the CEO of Letterkenny Credit Union, Gordon Randles. A native of Dublin, Gordon moved to Letterkenny in 1997 and took up the lead role at Letterkenny Credit Union in 2002.
Letterkenny Credit Union was established in 1962. Records show that it started with 24 members, a share value of €270, and no loans. It currently has around 23,000 members, is holding €101 million in members’ savings, and has loans totalling €34 million.
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Wed, 03 Aug 2022 - 35min
155 - Business Matters Ep 101 – Gerard Grant

On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the Director of Strategic Initiatives at TSC in Letterkenny, Gerard Grant. Gerard was one of the team of eight that was involved in establishing the Pramerica base in Letterkenny in 2000, and was tasked with setting up the company’s internal IT system.
There are over 1,000 employed at the state-of-the-art local campus opened by Pramerica in 2017 at a cost of €42 million.
Two years ago, Pramerica was taken over by TCS, and the global company has recently embarked on a recruitment drive with the aim of increasing its workforce in Letterkenny by 200 over the coming months.
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Wed, 20 Jul 2022 - 34min
154 - Business Matters Ep 100 – Joe Devenney & Conor McMenamin

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Joe Devenney and Conor McMenamin who set up Crolly Distillery with Kieran Davis.
The Letterkenny-based businessmen moved on site in 2018 and began producing the first casks of whiskey in 2020.
The distillery opened the doors of its visitor centre to the public on Monday, July 4th.
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Wed, 13 Jul 2022 - 31min
153 - Business Matters Ep 99 – Lisa Breslin & Paul Brown

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Lisa Breslin, creative director and founder of Imagine Lab Design which she runs from her office in Lifford and the Digihub at The Base in Stranorlar. Having worked in the graphic and motion design sector for 20 years, Lisa set up her own business nine months ago after she was made redundant last year. She has clients in Ireland and the UK and is hoping to secure a number of US clients over the coming months.
Ciaran also talks to Paul Brown, CEO and Artistic Director of the Earagail Arts Festival which gets underway on Saturday, July 9th. Paul is looking forward to the start of what will be the 35th staging of the annual event which returns around €1.5 million annually to the local economy.
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Wed, 06 Jul 2022 - 44min
152 - Business Matters Ep 98 – Shane Connolly & Oran Doherty

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Shane Connolly, owner of Shane Connolly Cars, who has recently relocated his business to Donegal, having been based in Ballybofey since 2010.
Ciaran also talks to retail apprenticeship manager with Retail Ireland Skillnet, Oran Doherty, about the latest retail apprenticeship and degree programmes that are currently open for registration.
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Wed, 29 Jun 2022 - 39min
151 - Business Matters Ep 97 – Adam Speer

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Speer Performance Gym and Fitness Centre in Letterkenny, Adam Speer.
After leaving secondary school, Adam completed a sports science degree in Wales. He went on to study sports therapy and started practising locally while also working in local gyms.
He took a change in career path soon after and moved into the area of personal training and strength and conditioning on a full-time basis. After setting up a gym initially with local athlete, Mickey Black, in 2011, Adam established Speer Performance at New Mills on the outskirts of Letterkenny in 2015.
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Wed, 22 Jun 2022 - 42min
150 - Business Matters Ep 96 – Pat McArt

On this week’s edition, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by former managing editor of the Derry Journal, Pat McArt. Pat has written a number of books and is a columnist with the Daily Mirror and the Letterkenny Leader.
After attending Letterkenny Regional Technical College, he began his career in journalism with the Derry People in June, 1974. He moved to RTE in 1979 before becoming the editor of the Derry Journal in 1981 at the age of 27.
When newspaper sales were at their peak, the Derry Journal Group recorded an annual profit of £5 million.
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Wed, 15 Jun 2022 - 44min
149 - Business Matters Ep 95 – Sabrina Robb & Tara McGuire

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to hearing aid audiologist and owner of Donegal Hearing Clinic, Sabrina Robb. Sabrina is a graduate of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and a member of the Irish Society of Hearing Audiologists.
Having worked in hearing healthcare for twelve years, she decided to set up her own practice five months ago.
Ciaran also speaks to Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training Services Course Recruitment Officer, Tara McGuire, about the latest courses on offer.
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Wed, 08 Jun 2022 - 30min
148 - Business Matters Ep 94 – Gerard McCormick, Evan Gorrell & Danny McFadden

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Gerard McCormick, owner of Magees Pharmacy on Main Street in Letterkenny. He began working as a pharmacist in the family-run business after graduating from the College of Pharmacy in 1993, and took over the running of the long-established business in 2006. He has seen his businesses undergo significant changes since he first started working in the store as a ten-year-old in 1980.
The podcast also includes a feature on the success of Letterkenny’s Errigal College in the national finals of the Bank of Ireland Money Smarts Challenge that includes reaction from students, Jodi and Lilli, business teacher, Evan Gorrell and principal, Danny McFadden.
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Wed, 01 Jun 2022 - 46min
147 - Business Matters Ep 93 – Ciaran Doherty

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Ciaran Doherty, Operations Manager and Skipper with the Aine Fishing Company based in Burtonport. Ciaran is also chairperson of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation.
He first went to sea at the age of four and joined the family-owned business on a full-time basis while still in his teens in 1992. Three years later he got his captain’s license.
Aine Fishing Company was started by his father, Joseph, who bought his first boat in 1970 at the age of 19. The company currently employs 16 people.
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Wed, 25 May 2022 - 43min
146 - Business Matters Ep 92 – Liam Cassidy

On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Liam Cassidy. Born in Buncrana and raised in Kilmacrennan, he left school at a young age to join the army. A career change took him into the manufacturing sector in England, and he took up a senior management position with General Motors before moving to the Gillette Corporation in 1991.
He is a partner in Lean Management at Altix Consulting, a global business consulting firm that is headquartered in Ohio, USA.
Liam is known as ‘The Serial Factory Fixer’, having turned around the fortunes of factories and supply chains all over the world.
Now living in Newbridge in Co. Kildare, the Donegal native has shared the secret to his success in a new book “Make Your Factory Great And Keep It That Way”.
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Wed, 18 May 2022 - 39min

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