Moran Signs is Full of the Pipe’s biggest fan

09/07/2024

The unswerving support offered to Full of the Pipe by Moran Signs is unique as Damien Moran’s continually expanding and growing graphics company has the distinction of being the only official partner to have sponsored every single edition of Ireland’s favourite truck show.

As was the case when the maiden Full of the Pipe truck show was staged in Athlone in 2010, Moran Signs will once more sponsor and have a strong presence at the 2024 edition of FOTP in Mondello Park over the weekend of July 13-14.

Fact is, nobody has supported Full of the Pipe more often or more consistently than Moran Signs. Damien Moran, founder and proprietor of the County Westmeath based bespoke vehicle graphics and accessories specialist, is understandably proud of his unique, longstanding association with what has organically evolved into one of Europe’s biggest annual transport and logistics events.

“I’ve been with them since Day One and this is my 15th year with Full of the Pipe,” Damien confirms. “This represents a real milestone for me as a business. Fifteen years is a long time and the fact that the partnership between Moran Signs and Full of the Pipe has lasted so long just goes to show the mutual friendship and support that exists between myself and Kevin and Colin. There has been a very good relationship there all along – if there wasn’t, it wouldn’t have lasted this long.

“Full of the Pipe is a great show and in my opinion has put Ireland on the map. Don’t get me wrong – Dualla and Waterford are great shows, too, and we like them all, but Full of the Pipe has grown into something really special.”

As ever, Moran Signs will have a display stand at the show this year and Damien says the onerous task of preparing for and exhibiting at shows would not be possible without the invaluable assistance of his brothers James and Declan and partner Emily, who do a lot of the heavy lifting before and during these big events.

Also giving great help is Eamonn, who has been with Damien for a good few years now and has the gift of gab and is a big asset at shows along with the owner’s nephew, nieces, cousins and Big Red! “I’m operating six mobile units now so some weekends are hectic. Our fleet is all Iveco trucks. They’re old but you know the saying: ‘the older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune’. We’re not keeping Conor and Noelle at Longhaul Commercials open buying new lorries or anything - just parts!” Damien also points out that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his mother and father, Kathleen and Jimmy, who supported him all the way.

To complement the magnificent truck, van and coach branding and graphics service provided, as well as his truck accessories, number plates and stickers offerings, Damien took over Orchard Motorsports a couple of years ago to establish Moran Farm and Rally Merchandise, offering a wide range of rally clothing and construction and farming model toys. In line with this diversification and growth of his business portfolio, the Westmeath man now employs his own dedicated in-house embroidery team.

Providing a wide range of customers with industry-leading solutions for closing in on two decades, Moran Signs design signs tailor-made for any business, using state-of-the-art technology to produce high quality, durable and economic signage guaranteed to get the customer’s business noticed. From vehicle graphics for trucks and vans to striking shop fronts pitch signs, safety signs and even stickers and labels, Moran Signs can cater for every eventuality.

Vehicle graphics is a huge part of the overall business and Moran Signs is firmly established as the proven market leader for stunning graphics, liveries, logos, wraps, colour changes and decals on trucks, trailers, vans and agri plant across the midlands and beyond.

“The trucking industry has always been a big part of what we do here at Moran Signs and we really appreciate their ongoing loyalty and support,” Damien stresses. “Off the top of my head, we work for a number of operators locally here in the Mullingar area including Lynn International, Michael Needham Haulage, BR Transport, AC International, Molihan International, Ecochip (Ray Quinn), Billy Moran & Sons and Ballyhugh International, to name just a few. The continued loyalty we’ve had from those truckers has certainly helped us grow.”

Like the rest of us, Damien can’t wait for the first mid-summer staging of Full of the Pipe at its new home in Mondello Park: “I was there in October and for the time of year and the fact that there was such a short turnaround, it was a great show and very well attended. Mondello is a great venue and it has fantastic facilities and that will be a big help in making this year’s show another memorable occasion.”