The launch of KennedyKnitwear.com, was a cause for celebration in Ardara when the new website from Kennedy of Ardara was unveiled.
The unveiling was performed by none other than Noel Cunningham of TV3 at a special event, held in the company’s clothing and gift shop on Front Street.
Among a crowd of over 140 people were Councillor Terence Slowey and his wife Patricia, representatives of the Parish Council and other local committees, loyal customers, and many past staff going back as far as the 1950s, who turned up to show their support for the new venture of a business that has been in the heart of Ardara for 110 years.
The fun evening included a fashion show featuring local models, showcasing a variety of items for sale on the website’s online shop, with Noel explaining it is not just knitwear for sale on the site but also fashionable coats, jackets, hats, scarves, shirts, T-shirts, and accessories that could make the perfect Christmas gift.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director Connell G Kennedy expressed his excitement surrounding the new chapter for the business, and his delight that the occasion had seen the reunion of many past co-workers.
He asked the local audience to spread word of the website to friends and family abroad, and welcomed them to call into the shop for a browse anytime.
Designed by Ballyshannon based web designer Dermot Lawless of Aurora Design, KennedyKnitwear.com, was developed with the assistance of Connell’s son, Connell A Kennedy, who also spoke at the event of his pride in the rich company history which was on display through an exhibition of old photographs and newspaper articles documenting the company’s exporting achievements from the 1950s on.
After winning Irish Exporter of the Year in 1961, RTE came to Ardara to film a news item on the company, which featured then employee Celine McDyre modelling. Fifty years later, the Kennedy family were pleased that Celine and her daughters could be among those who attended the launch of KennedyKnitwear.com.
Among the local Ardara models who feature on the website is LYIT student Maria Gildea, who was sadly unable to attend the event due to two night’s before winning the Specsavers’ International Spectacle Wearer of the Year Grand Final in London, but who was represented by her mother Teresa.
“Knitwear is now very much back in fashion, and is in all the big chain stores this season,” said Connell.
“On KennedyKnitwear.com, we stock a wide range of contemporary woollen garments and other clothing, as well as the traditional Aran sweaters which the company became known for. We are hopeful that demand locally and from internet users will see Kennedy of Ardara survive in the digital age.”
Kennedy of Ardara employed up to 2,000 hand-knitters and joiners throughout Donegal between the 1950s and 1980s. Their new website is now live at www.kennedyknitwear.com
