Although these were the first National Awards to be held by INFO for their retailing members, it is now expected to become an annual event. 'We are happy to work on any initiative that leads to greater improvements in fireplace showrooms and in customer care' says David O'Dowd, Chairman and spokesperson for INFO.

INFO was launched in 2000 and represents all sections of the fireplace industry throughout Ireland. 'Our primary purpose is to improve the quality, design and installation of fireplaces as well as projecting a professional image of both retailers and fitters. In summary, to represent the best, of what is best, in the fireplace sector', continued O'Dowd. He added, 'These National Awards showcase the high standards our members meet, particularly in delivering quality products, service and customer care. Anyone thinking of buying a new fireplace or stove should purchase from an INFO retailing member. Only this will guarantee that their new fireplace is fitted by an INFO certified fitter. Customers should demand and ensure the highest professional standards. They will benefit greatly by choosing a registered INFO retail outlet.'

The competition sponsor, Bord na Mona Fuels, was also present at the event on Friday to announce the winners.

'We are delighted to work closely with INFO again' said Michael Coleman, Commercial Manager, Bord na Mona Fuels. He went on to say that 'whilst central heating is used in most Irish houses, a real open fire certainly complements and enhances push button heating. You can't beat the real thing, the warmth and ambience you get from a solid fuel open fire. That's why it's the preferred choice for secondary heating.'

Coleman added 'We fully agree with INFO that a multi fuel real open fire would limit the vulnerability of large sections of the population to energy supply interruption and the consequent failure of all other forms of heat supply within the home, especially during winter periods. After all, it is already a legal requirement in Austria, France, Norway and Turkey that homes have a secondary heat source. At the moment, over 70% of homes in Ireland would rely on their real open fire as a means of heating in the event of an extended power cut. And the remaining 30% of homes would have no heating whatsoever.'

All INFO retailing members were invited to participate in the competition and 26 took up the challenge. The top 3 fireplace showrooms were determined by the results of research and 'mystery shopping' conducted by MORI, an independent Market Research company.

Fenton Fires, Church Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow was judged to be the clear winner.

Originally set up as a heating company, it subsequently added convector fires, stoves, fireplaces, range and gas cookers, fuel baskets and fire accessories to its' product range.

Most recently it also became a Waterford Stanley Cooker and Stove Centre.

Runner Up was Midwest Fireplace Stove and Gas Centre, Quin Road, Ennis, Co Clare who also received a 2004 FBDCREST Mark of Retail Excellence Award. It has been market leader in the West of Ireland in the design and supply of quality fireplaces, stoves and gas fires since 1996. Operating from a 5,000 sq ft showroom, they specialise in bespoke and customised fireplace designs.

King Fireplaces, Athy, Co Kildare closely followed in third place. A leading supplier of hand carved marble fireplaces it has been in operation since 1975 and also offers wood, cast iron and sandstone models.

In commenting on what he hoped the awards ceremony would achieve, David O'Dowd stated that he wants 'the awards to promote the fact that an INFO registered retail outlet, undoubtedly has the best placed fireplace or stove'.

He hopes that the success and reaction of the awards ceremony will 'build on creating public awareness that these are the best of what Ireland has to offer in the fireplace and stove sector'. He feels that through the hard work that has been put in over the past twelve months these retailers have 'strived to be the best in Ireland and should be acknowledged and supported for this to enable them to provide a premium service while remaining competitive in all areas of the fireplace sector in Ireland.'