Cool communion wear

The Hamel Linen Company in Donegal has found a market in the U.S. for special-occasion wear for girls and for christening robes, made from 100 percent Irish linen.

Founded two years ago by Patrice Gallagher, the company sells in exclusive U.S. stores, including Saks on Fifth Avenue in New York and Bloomingdale’s. The U.S. accounts for 80 percent of the company’s sales. Turnover for 2002 is about E1 million.