The document summarizes the history and accomplishments of Irish exports and trade from the 1950s to the late 2000s. It describes how exports grew significantly through initiatives in whiskey, clothing, and shipping. Leadership from figures like Bill Walsh helped diversify exports through industrial specialization and design. New industries like electronics and computers brought further growth. The document celebrates the contributions of many individuals and organizations that helped develop Irish exports and trade over several decades.

1. O’Driscoll & Morrissey, Walsh & Killeen - from 52 to 69 The task was enormous ‘twas more than a dream - Exports were our biggest lifeline The plan was created in order to have Dollar exports so with nothing to lose - In depression the growth was minus .3 percent – the only way up was through booze The whiskey drive started back in ’54 with John Power Jameson and Cork Distillers With exports valued at 35 K no more – 4 years on worth ¼ million dollars! Twas the same with our clothing in old London town the garments from Ireland were meagre But with the advent of the Regent Street Crown the rag trade was happy and eager

2. By the year ’58 we stood centre stage were key to th’ economy’s success Exports found their rightful home on the front page – a strategy body no less One hindrance to conquer a lack of design – Irish thinking too abstract was leading To literary excellence every time - our exports were still not succeeding

3. Bill Walsh on his travels did one day espy

4. A castle way out in the sticks

5. He appointed a king who new ways did apply By hiring the the Scandinavian Six

6. But this wasn’t the only problem he faced – there was the small matter of shipping His trust in his Liverpool colleagues he placed and started the new Irish Shipping The average exports for the rest of the world reached 11% in ‘69 But Ireland, as always to best this hell bent, at 16% crossed the line

7. It’s good to see that the people we know Were there from the very start

8. The French who visited the first fashion show Won’t have the same place in our heart

9. Sean Gallagher’s research was the very foundation Of all that grew out of the ash

10. Martin whose language shocked most of creation Would have presented this show with panache

11. When it came to the good times Chief Exec Sean Condon would sing to the best cap in hand By Aces surrounded his performance was dazzling and second to none in the land

12. He retired from the ranks in 84 in some style – 7 years he had managed the party The keys of the kingdom he placed with a smile in the hands of the waiting McCarthy This was the era of specialization with Comdex the word on the street Indigenous exports the pride of the nation for once foreign exports did beat

13. For twelve years McCarthy’s hand firm on the tiller Not a yacht but a bike was his end

14. He didn’t escape till his name as a filler

15. On Bill’s expenses was penned

16. The Goods Council’s arrival heralded the end – the name changed to ABT Tattin was young and but not easy to bend – at least VHI’s now healthy

17. She saw it all through from one chief to the next – the woman behind all those men I would love one day soon to write up the text of the things that went on in that den! Without her we couldn’t have put on this show, so let me tell you one and all Of the fact that real power was left in her hands in the running of Merrion Hall.

18. It must be said here that fun did play a part

19. In achieving so many successes

20. As Ophelia in Dusseldorf or

21. Some comedy part

22. Or even ladies indulging in quiet excesses

23. The passion we showed the sheer dedication to having a good time what the heck

24. Some moved in high circles on behalf of the nation With support to ensure a hard neck

25. What is Santa offering Sally – is it just a ride in his sled? Who’s that on the floor trying to be pally one more inch girl you’ll find yourself dead

26. There may be a scratch on this happy photo but still it manages to show By the looks on the faces of Rosemary and Marie they both are enjoying ACE Joe

27. The original founders of poker you see in the eighties in Kennedy’s place Apart from the one that is missing – that’s Cri but you all remember her face

28. Then there were those members of a very rare breed whose lifestyle mostly appals They’re out in all weathers doing great deeds while searching around for their balls

29. But back to the work front – we sure did a lot

30. Here’s some of the people who care If your photo’s missing from amongst all this lot You should have sent one to the Chair!

31. Lyn Halpin a legend in her own lifetime Always at the top of her game

32. Richard the drummer is still on the front line Enterprise Ireland’s his fame

33. Pamela first

34. Then Frank – both had their tussels In various parts of the land

35. But what better place to end up than Brussels as manager of the top brand After New York the world was too small in spite of the perks of an ACE Director of Europe now there’s a new ball for O’Doherty got out of the race

36. Rosaleen and Frank sing a serenade

37. Greg Carley exported to Bristol

38. Who used the F word in a public tirade Was it in support of Waterford Crystal?

39. Look at them all saying their goodbyes Clem Faulkner and Sheilas both

40. Percy is adamant that the good times are gone – John Healy heads for the boat

41. Fintan looks sad at the thought of the parting but that doesn’t stop all the fun Retirement is beckoning at Sean’s farewell party – but why ordering just a small one?

42. Parry and Colm are wondering why Paul Hogan is making a speech

43. Is it because he was practising for that day which is now in his reach?

44. Electronics

45. Computers – the new whiskey drive that once again brought a new mission We knew that because of them we would survive and move forward with a whole new vision

46. Neligan had Zurich and chemicals too

47. Tom Healy and Jim had the pub

48. Gabriel was one of the few ladies who ever escaped out of Dub

49. Monsieur Strahan your look is beyond the Pale you see the toits de Paris Nancy looks on with an empty glass, Bill seems to be laughing with glee

50. Derry O’Brien your name will be great for stereo rather than mono The music industry will write your name up there with Bob Geldof and Bono

51. Dr. McGuire started the talks, we always knew that was the case If only in one direction they’d walk, Percy’s smile would cover his face O’Malleys, O’Doherty, Courtney, Lovegrove all there for Northern Ireland ANUGA was host at the very start of unity on this our island.

52. Ask not for a desk when of orders bereft all you have is your phone Cashmere and silk may show on the left but methinks he will have to go home

53. But who is that man on the left of import?

54. He seems to know all and sundry Has given advice on the way to export from Zambia to Greece to Hungary

55. But what of our exporters how did they fare? – here we have one of the best Jimmy Hourihan who invented the cape stood out from all of the rest

56. And then the implosion - en masse did they leave for a new life finally free But at all the gatherings there was gnashing of teeth for the dismantling of CTT

57. Colin and Arthur they show no remorse for the life they were willing to flee Colin has taken the path of the just with a future in philanthropy

58. Kevin looks worried being left on his own it sure is a burden no doubt

59. Colin admires Sean’s golden handshake and waits for the day he gets out

60. Heather shakes hands as she tries to arrange Future meetings for alumni activity

61. This man’s meanderings on the stock exchange showed us his real proclivity

62. Arthur, Bill, Alan, Colm, Paddy these guys did it all, saw all there was to see Between them they make up a very large part of the glory days of CTT

63. We fought the good fight none stood alone as witnessed by this photograph We worked in a place that oft became home but through it all boy did we laugh

64. Finally, our Chairman we now applaud for the service, the dogs, and the wine But most of all and thanks to B O D, he will continue till 2009!