YOUNG Wexford entrepreneur Mark Kavanagh was among the Irish companies marketing their businesses abroad around St Patrick’s Day.

Mark returned on Tuesday from New York where he was promoting his Wexbury Spirits brand. Having started off selling strawberries at the roadside near his Enniscorthy home, he then split the proceeds between investing in his signature strawberry-infused vodka and bloodstock.

The four-legged business was in partnership with his grandfather Jim Mernagh whose Larchgrove Stud is a well-known consignor at the thoroughbred sales.

Mark described the invite to the Consulate General of Ireland reception, thanks to an introduction by local senator Malcolm Byrne, as “a dream come true.” Tánaiste Micheál Martin T.D. was amongst the gathering’s guests.

“To be able to showcase the flavours of our home region was a truly memorable experience. It was a pleasant surprise to learn that the Consul General of Ireland, Helena Nolan, is also from the south-east and we shared a great conversation.”