Lismore is getting a new brand logo and the public is to have its say in the choice. There are 20 finalists battling to be picked from four colleges.

The West Waterford heritage town invited graphic design students from Waterford Institute of Technology, Cork Institute of Technology, Athlone Institute of Technology and Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology to design a logo or brand to best encapsulate the town and all its attractions.

The shortlisted designs are on display in St Carthage's Hall, Chapel Street until Sunday next, from 10am to 4pm daily to allow members of the public to view them and vote on their choice. Admission is free and people can cast their votes by filling out a simple form.

On Monday night, local business people were given a preview of the designs. Mealla Fahey, a member of Lismore Marketing Group who spearheaded the initiative, said they were very pleased and encouraged by the sizeable turnout.

"Buy in from businesses in the town and the local people is essential if this project is to be a success," she said.

She explained that the winning logo will be used as one brand to drive a unified marketing strategy for all enterprises in the Lismore area.

Eamon Maxwell, Director of Lismore Castle Arts, another partner in the project, welcomed everyone and explained the background to the competition. Dan McCormack, Manager of Lismore House Hotel and a member of Lismore Marketing Group said a new logo "will provide an awareness of what we are and where we are heading. It's time to broadcast to Lismore and beyond we are open for business. This is the first step in the announcement of our worth. He acknowledged "the magnificent work" of the entrants, saying "Ireland has got talent. Ireland has a future and I want Lismore to be a part of it."

Kevin Santry of Fuschiabrands.com, a quality regional brand for food, tourism and crafts from West Cork, then outlined the development of their brand and how they have employed it to market their food, tourism and crafts in a cohesive way and he gave advice on how Lismore should develop theirs.

There was much discussion on Monday night among the attendance about the merits of the various entries and one thing's for sure - picking a winner will be no easy task! The standard of the designs was widely commended. The final decision will lie with an adjudication panel nominated by Lismore Marketing Group and the winner will be announced on Friday, February 22 in Lismore House Hotel. The new brand will then be officially launched on May 6 as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of the granting of the town's charter.

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