Showcase for local artists and designers
Cavan and Monaghan artists and designers were among 100 companies from across Ireland who got a chance to meet with international buyers as part of Local Enterprise Showcase 2026 at Showcase in the RDS, from January 18-20.
An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise Showcase is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Ireland’s newest design talent.
Stephen Kieran Ceramics are unique hand-crafted designs that focus on lines and surface markings in the clay as a prominent feature, giving them a very distinct style. Stephen is also the master potter for Mullan Ceramics, part of the Mullan Lighting brand, based in Mullan Village, Emyvale.
LEO Monaghan worked with Stephen on merchandising for his stand, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure he maximised opportunities at the three-day event.
Meanwhile, Cavan was also well represented through Breda O'Flaherty who was backed by the Cavan LEO.
"We were delighted that Breda O’Flaherty represented LEO Cavan at the 2026 Showcase Awards in Dublin. Breda is an artist originally from Dublin but now resides in Virginia. I was delighted that she was in a position to display her art work at such a prestigious event to thousands of visitors and trade buyers," said Conor Craven, Head of Enterprise, Cavan County Council.
His counterpart, Pamela Kerr in Monaghan, and Head of Craft & Design for Showcase 2026, reflected on the opportunity presented by Showcase: “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go well at this event, a business could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that won’t happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by them going forward.”
Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. Other events include Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme and the Local Enterprise Village as part of the National Ploughing Championships. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie