15/05/2013

Invest NI Helps Firm Develop New Hurling Helmet

Strabane-based O'Neill's Irish International Sports Company Ltd has developed a new lightweight hurling helmet, with research and development support from Invest Northern Ireland.

The helmet features a removable, washable inner lining for increased hygiene and is available in a range of colours and can be customised with names and club crests.

The company's core business is producing and selling a range of sports and leisurewear with a particular focus on the GAA sports clothing market. It specialises in customising products for clubs. This is its first R&D project and represented an investment of over £300,000.

Invest NI offered almost £77,000 of support, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Kieran Kennedy, Managing Director of O'Neill’s, said: "The market for protective headgear is developing rapidly, partly due to legislative changes and partly due a general increase in the demand for greater health and safety driven by the individual sportsperson. O'Neill's aim is to be the market leaders in this area.

"The R&D project was a first for us and would not have gone ahead without Invest NI's assistance which helped us access the technical expertise we needed to develop the product.

"The helmet is now in full production at our premises in Strabane and we are confident that it will be a commercial success for the company."

(CD/MH)


Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 September 2019
Co Down Firm Launches Recruitment Drive As Market Expands
A County Down based customer experience company is expanding its workforce with seven new recruits in order to meet increased global demand. Established in 2017, Veriteer employs 16 specialist staff globally and will add a further seven to its Holywood office to develop and service a pipeline of new customers in Europe and the USA.
31 October 2013
Invest NI Helps Roonivoolin Develop Skin Lotion
Ballycastle-based Roonivoolin Naturals Ltd has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop an innovative skin lotion, Caraderm Skincare, using seaweed harvested from the shores of Co Antrim.
18 January 2013
Cunningham Covers Secure Business In Africa
Maghera-based Cunningham Covers has secured new business in Africa and the Middle East totalling over £500,000 following a range of support from Invest Northern Ireland. Cunningham Covers is a market leader in advanced textile solutions and sells a range of covers, tarpaulins and canopies to customers all over the world.
24 March 2011
Design Company Wins Major Contract With International Hostel Group In Dublin
Glengormley-based design company Off The Wall Creations has secured a major contract in Dublin with Generator Hostels with support from Invest Northern Ireland. Off The Wall Creations specialises in the design and installation of bespoke wallpaper and wall graphics for domestic and commercial premises.
07 June 2018
CGDM To Develop New Office Premises
CGDM Construction in Newry is to invest over £500,000 to develop new office premises at Carnbane Business Park. The firm is also creating 10 new jobs with the support of Invest Northern Ireland. Invest NI has offered the company £74,000 of support towards the creation of the new jobs and marketing activities.