Rowa Bantry celebrating 60 years in West Cork

ROWA Pharmaceuticals marked 60 years of business in Bantry with an unforgettable line-up of celebrations.

The pharmaceutical company, which has been a cornerstone of the community since 1959, marked the monumental milestone by inviting guests from over 55 countries to celebrate with them for a week of events in Bantry, giving them a flavour of West Cork including walking tours, dining out in local restaurants, trips to Mizen Head and more.

The company’s managing director Mrs Brigitte Wagner-Halswick, who has been at the helm since 1979, hosted a family day in the Westlodge Hotel for staff, their families and former employees with live music, dining and entertainment. 

They concluded their 60th year anniversary month in September in style with international guests at a gala dinner held in Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare.

Joe Keane, head of operations for Rowa said: ‘What an incredible month for the company and the gala dinner was a super event. Mrs Wagner-Halswick has been our managing director since 1979 and even now, is still the driving force of the company. Her ambition and work ethic is unmatched. 

‘At our gala event we had guests from over 55 countries which is a true testament to Mrs Wagner-Halswick’s reputation as a business woman and the strong business relationships that she has developed over the years,’ Mr Keane added.

Rowa was first established in 1959 by German Roland Wagner. He even built his own airstrip there to make it easier to travel between Bantry and his home place of Cologne. 

He died in 1979 and his wife Brigitte took over. 

For 60 years it has provided Ireland with prescription and non-prescription medicine at a low cost price. 

Today the company has a portfolio of over 300 products and exports to 80 countries worldwide. The company’s chosen charity is the Bantry Hospice Project.

Rowa took top honours at The Southern Star’s inaugural West Cork Business and Tourism Awards last November when it was named West Cork Business of the Year.