Local Establishment Named One of Top 50 Irish Small Businesses in the U.S.

Husband and wife Gene and Tara Callaghan, owners of in downtown Westwood, received an e-mail about a month ago letting them know their store had been chosen as one of the top 50 Irish small businesses in the country.

The honor came from the weekly newspaper The Irish Echo, which is distributed throughout the United States. According to the paper, 2011 marked the inaugural Irish Small Business 50 awards. The publication, along with sponsor Tourism Ireland, held an awards banquet April 15 at The Manhattan Club at Rosie O'Grady's in New York City to recognize award recipients.

The Callaghans were both happy with the distinction. Gene said he doesn't know who nominated Irish Eyes Imports for the award, but he's grateful. "I feel honored," he said.

In addition to accepting the award, the banquet served as a good networking opportunity, Gene said. He explained that he got to see people from different business sectors and even encouraged one of his vendors to join the North American Celtic Trade Association, of which he is a member.

Award recipients ranged from doctors to freight companies to an Irish chef, and they are located throughout the country.

"It's a great honor," Tara said. She added that the banquet was a good opportunity to catch up with business owners from all over the U.S. "We got to see the broader Irish community instead of just this area," she said.

The Callaghans have owned Irish Eyes Imports for four years. The store, which has been in business for 25 years, was in Ridgewood up until last year when the couple moved it to Westwood. The specialty store sells a variety of items, from jewelry to clothes to cards and gifts.