Marion Condon from Clondulane (right) chatting with Kilworth twins, Annemarie Byrne and Trish Hynes at last Friday's customer evening in Batavia - the popular furniture and gift store is celebrating its 17th annivesary. (John Ahern)

It’s 17 years since Majella and Noel O’Regan took the plunge and set up Batavia and during that time, Ireland has had a boom and a bust and is presently ‘somewhere in between’.

The good news for everyone associated with this unique furniture store is that it’s full steam ahead and all systems go as the store gears up for the all important pre-Christmas shopping spree.

The Kilworth couple were joined by family, neighbours, friends and clients for last Friday’s customer evening.

Coverage in this week’s Print & Digital Edition