Claire and Kieron Moran of Ballinagh's Moran's Mega Jam

Local businesses tame Dragons

Two local businesses entered RTE's Dragon's Den and have emerged in a blaze of glory.

Former Anglo-Celt business award winners Kieron and Claire Moran of Ballinagh's 'Moran’s Mega Jams', and Arthur 'Art' McArdle, the man behind Carrickmacross-based 'Heat Hero' both featured on the latest episode of the hit TV show, now in its eight series, and aired on Sunday evening last.

“We're over the moon, absolutely delighted!,” Kieron told this newspaper on Monday, with the husband and wife team having secured a deal for €40,000 for 15% of their business with Den elder Statesman and marketing and communications guru Gavin Duffy.

The couple's appearance on the Den is yet another milestone on a long road travelled by the Super Valu 'Food Academy' graduates since initially selling their producst at local farmer's markets.

Moran's Mega Jams now employs eight people, has a 300 square foot industrial premises in the centre of Ballinagh town, and are soon to launch a new range of 'Sugar Free' jams.

“Its been an amazing change for us from when we first started out. At the time we never dreamt this is where we were going to be, and to come from the Farmer's Market to here in those short few years, it just goes to show. But its something we always say, its the loyal customers who made us. Word of mouth and people coming back, rather than some massive marketing campaign which we could never afford,” says Kieron.

Fellow Den hopeful Art also proved a big hit with the Dragons.

“Even though its a bit of show-business, its still a serious business. Its not my background, I'm a plumber so it was all new to me. I'm glad its all over to be honest, but it was a great experience,” Art told the Celt, having secured a €60,000 deal with energy industry specialist Eleanor McEvoy for for 32% of his business.