Into the West: 1. Katie Condren and Richard d'Esterre Roberts; 2. Melanie Young; 3. Ali McKeever and Charles Coyle. (Pix. Kieran Hartnett)
Dubarry footwear has long been the standard of the low key preppy
brigade and many of that group will surely rejoice in the opening of a new
flagship store in Dublin. With
collections inspired by the wild West Coast of Ireland (and stocked around the
world from Harrods in London to outlets in Australia) Dubarry’s reputation and
success has grown from humble beginnings.
Dubarry opened its first factory in Ballinasloe in 1937 and has gone
from cottage industry to global brand. Clearly
the brand has achieved great success and plaudits, but happily has never lost
sight of its roots and felt it important to open the first store in Ireland.
As part of the company’s 75th Anniversary this year Dubarry produced
limited edition versions of its Galway country lifestyle and Ultima sailing
boots incorporating the iconic Pink Ribbon logo. All proceeds have been donated
to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
A big fan of the label is Ross O’Carroll – Kelly, the rugby loving fictional
character created by writer Paul Howard.
On the evening fans of Ross enjoyed an in-store exhibition of images The
Ort of Ross O’Carroll Kelly, by Alan Clarke and even an appearance by the man
himself.
