We started off in St Patrick’s Mills in the Douglas village. In those days, we were only selling and repairing domestic machines and chainsaws made up a very small part of our business,” says Kieran Daly.

Kieran and Ann Daly moved to their present outlet 25 years ago and opened a garden centre that complemented the garden machinery. Over the years, they steered the business mainly in the lawnmower trade and were the number one seller in Ireland of the Harry lawnmower.

“In the 80s and 90s the Harry lawnmower was iconic and performed very well in Irish conditions. Unfortunately, high costs killed off old Harry.”

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Nineteen years ago a young man called Greg Marah joined the business. He was only 17 at the time and didn’t know a chainsaw from a harrow. But over the next few years Greg learned the business and taught himself everything about social media. He badgered the Daly family to invest in a website.

He succeeded and went on to design and build the business’ website. So, with the Daly’s business skills and Marah’s media ability they were a formidable bunch and Greg went on to become company director.

Tough times

When tough times started six years ago, their solution was to look after their loyal customers as best they could.

“What we sell, we service. We also saw an opportunity to grow our business in a new direction with the professional user. We spoke to our customers to see what they needed to make their job easier. In 2012 we added a new line of products – a professional range of PPe clothing and equipment aimed at the arborist/tree surgeon. We are proud to say www.arborist.ie is the only shop of its kind in Ireland today.

“This year we’ve been fortunate to add the world-famous STIHL brand to our stable. It’s a perfect fit for us. STIHL manufacturers power tools for professional forestry and agricultural use, as well as for garden and landscape maintenance, the construction sector and the private user,” explains Kieran.

He says that more and more people demand value for money products that perform in Irish conditions and that have a back up service and a price range that fits all pockets.

“They get this with Viking (manufactured by STIHL). I have to say that in my 30 years selling/repairing lawnmowers, Viking is the best-performing value for money garden lawnmower we have ever sold. As for the Viking tractor, the finish is superb, the drive is comfortable and the grass collection is impressive. So even in this short time, our association with STIHL has been fantastic.

“The STIHL range of products includes brush cutters, cleaning systems and hedge trimmers. With the STIHL KombiSystem you can cut hedges, trim branches, loosen soil and clear paths with just one engine and some handy attachments.

“Safety should always be a priority when working with power tools. This should begin by using correct working methods, whilst also using high-quality equipment and the appropriate safety clothing. We take safety very seriously and offer a wide range of protective clothing, from full chainsaw protection clothing to wet weather gear, helmets, gloves and boots,” says Kieran.

STIHL hedge trimmers and pole pruners are specialists in their respective areas.

The STIHL hedge trimmers are specially designed for use in park and landscape maintenance, as well as for large private estates. With their considerably longer reach, the special-purpose hedge trimmers complement the classical hedge trimmers. While the STIHL name has traditionally been linked to chainsaws, there’s now a quality product for every job, big or small.

“Because we now interact with a huge diversity of customers, ranging from green keepers to park superintendants, tree surgeons, universities and foresters, this year we decided to change our trading name to Douglas Forest and Garden. We hope this will tell a wider story,” says Kieran.

“We are excited about our future and already this year we have taken on two new staff members. And it’s the STIHL and Viking range that’s made this possible.

“Between Greg and I, we have accumulated 49 years of experience in the domestic, garden, forestry, municipal and commercial areas. So whether you have a patch or a pitch, Douglas lawnmowers have a machine to meet all needs. We will provide the right model to suit your garden, assemble it, test it, instruct you on proper usage, and load it into your vehicle.

“So if its grass, timber or bushes you wish to cut, give us a shout and we guarantee that we will do everything to provide you with the best product available,”concludes Kieran.

Douglas Forest and Garden Centre Tel: 021 6017761. Curraghconway Business Park, Ballycurreen, Co Cork. Email: sales@douglaslawnmowercenter.com