Timber processing firm, Glennon Brothers, has celebrated 100 years in business at a gala event, held in Croke Park, Dublin. The keynote address was delivered by An Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, T.D.

Over 500 people were in attendance at the event, including Minister for Forestry, Mr Tom Hayes, T.D., British Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Dominick Chilcott, key customers, and industry stakeholders, from Ireland and the UK.

Pat Glennon, Glennon Brothers stated: “Glennon Brothers has a legacy of great contributions from great people, some of whom are not with us today. These people invested their blood, sweat, and tears in the business over many years, through good times and through bad. Without the contribution of these people, Glennon Brothers would not have navigated its way through, the many challenges it has faced, over the last 100 years.

I have confidence that the people who are in Glennon Brothers today, have the capacity to create more extraordinary memories, as we move forward into our 2nd century.”

Pat’s brother, Mike added: “We would like to thank our very loyal customers who have supported us through the highs and lows of our sector. We have been very lucky over the years to have customers who believed in us, and were prepared to take a leap of faith that we could deliver. We appreciate the risk that these people took in the early days of the relationship and we thank them for their support and continuous commitment to Glennon Brothers.”

He continued by saying that having wisely decided not to sell off Coillte Harvesting rights, the government now face a critical decision in relation to the futures of Bord na Mona and Coillte.

“We urge all involved to remember the positive impact of the Irish forest products sector, which is worth €2.2 billion to Irish economy, and supports 12,000 jobs, the majority of which are located in rural locations.