Friday, March 19, 2010

Easter Eggs

Although Urney Chocolates ceased trading 40 years ago the brand is still alive and well. Leo Cummins has worked in the confectionery business for many years as did his father. Having gathered a wealth of experience in the area, Leo combines his knowledge with a passion for vintage sweets and the legacy behind the original brands. Along with Cleeves Toffees and Hadji Bey Turkish Delight he plans to reintroduce Urney Chocolates to the market. And we can't wait!
Last week the Jedward Easter egg was launched as an Urney Chocolates creation.

"And so we are the proud manufacturers and developers of Jedward Twin Milk Chocolate Easter Eggs with a special Jedward No 1 Fan milk chocolate medal in each pack and an even more special 5 Gold Tickets to meet Jedward in 5 very special packs."

They can be bought online or from Heatons, Eurospar, Mace, Spar and Woodies of Bray, Lucan and Tallaght. Quantities are limited so you'll have to be quick before stocks run out. Now Leo, when oh when can we expect a Two and Two bar?

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Urney Chocolates and Motor Racing


Earlier today I accidently deleted a telephone voice message left by a gentleman enquiring about my grandfather, Redmond Gallagher, and his contribution to Irish motor racing. So, if by any chance you are reading this, I'm really sorry but I haven't got a contact number for you. Maybe you could call again? Or maybe this will help...

Redmond Gallagher took over from his father as MD of Urney Chocolates in 1950 on the condition that he would concentrate solely on the factory and give up his lifelong passion for motor racing. His very first racing car was a H.E. 2 litre bought for £8 in the 1930s for a race in the Phoenix. Park. This was replaced with a 3 litre Sunbeam that been driven by Sir Malcolm Campbell in the Irish Grand Prix. Redmond never raced the Sunbeam and for some reason eventually sold it on. His next car was a supercharged Austin 7 that he was not entirely taken with. Maybe because it cost him a broken neck which was only discovered years later. Deciding to take things up a notch, Redmond next purchased an engineless Bugatti. With help from his brother in law, Dermot O'Clery, he fitted it with an early Ford V8 engine and called the car the USR- Urney Special Racer. As WW2 approached Redmond put his racing on hold until after the war when engineer and racing associate Nick Flynn helped build "Leprechaun I". It was a 500 cc car with a J.A.P. engine, especially adept at hill climbs. This was later adapted with a Norton engine and chassis redesign to become "Leprechaun II". Then came "Leprechaun III", an entirely new car with a 1000 cc supercharged engine. It did very well in speed events. His final racing car was a 1.5 litre Gordini that Redmond raced extensively at home and abroad. It had 2 wins in the international tourist trophy at Dundrod and another in the Wakefield trophy at the Curragh. 
In 1959 Stan Ryan bought Leprechaun III. Stan had a garage at 152, North King St. and raced the car for two years in several events around the country before eventually selling it on to Robin Rennicks. It was destroyed by fire while Mr.Rennicks owned it.

Above photo courtesy of the 500 Owners Association.