Ironside Trophies & Engraving, a family-run business with nearly half a century of heritage in Northern Ireland, has launched a second retail branch at 44 Main Street, Donaghcloney.

This significant milestone reflects the business’s sustained success and the continuing legacy of the Lyons–Tait family.

More than 48 years ago, Eric “Ironside” Lyons founded the company in Lisburn after a life-changing motorcycle accident at the Ulster Grand Prix in 1975. Despite the challenges, he built the business from a small garden shed, growing it into one of Ireland’s leading trophy and engraving providers.

The Donaghcloney outlet is managed by Abbey Tait and Steph McCandless , daughters of Andy and Gail Tait, who continue to oversee the original Lisburn premises. The branch was officially opened in August 2025 by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Mark Baxter, who commended the family business and its local roots.

In their announcement on social media, the Ironside family reflected on their journey: “From small beginnings in a 6×4 garden shed 48 years ago to two retail shops and Ireland’s biggest online retailer of trophies and awards today. We must be doing something right.”

The Donaghcloney branch is fully operational, offering the full range of Ironside’s engraving services — including traditional, computerised and laser engraving — as well as a wide variety of awards such as trophies, medals, shields, plaques and more.

This expansion highlights both the strength and continuity of a truly family-run business: a third generation now driving growth, underpinned by the founding values of quality, craft and local service.

Visit ironsidetrophies.co.uk to view the full catalogue of awards, engraving services and bespoke design support. Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/IronsideTrophies & facebook.com/Ironside-Trophies-Engraving-Donaghcloney

About Ironside Trophies & Engraving Ironside Trophies & Engraving is a family-owned and operated business based in Northern Ireland. From its founding in 1977 by Eric “Ironside” Lyons through to today’s third-generation leadership, the company has built a reputation for quality, reliability and personal service. With branches in Lisburn and Donaghcloney, Ironside supplies trophies, medals, shields, plaques and custom engraved awards to sports clubs, schools, businesses and community organisations across the region.