Clonmany man’s invention shines worldwide

A bright idea by an Urris man, who now lives in Australia, is enjoying mammoth acclaim and success Danny Friel, who was born in Clonmany, has invented a Solar Numbering Address System, or self-illuminating house number along with his business partner Sandy Soogram. Mr Friel initially completed a diploma in civil engineering in Letterkenny Regional College (now LYIT) and established a career in the building industry. He emigrated to Australia in 1989 and now resides in Brisbane. His interest in architecture led to him establishing a successful design practice and it was his work there that led to the invention of the solar numbering system. Speaking to the Inish Times, he said he became increasingly frustrated after he had difficulty trying to locate the homes of his clients in the evenings and recognised the need for clear identification. In a bid to create a product that was stylish, modern and functional and ensuring environmental responsibility, he decided this should be achieved using solar energy. He said: “It all happened really quickly. Sandy, who works for a construction company, was visiting one night and I mentioned how difficult it was to locate the houses as there was no clear numbering system. “We then hit on the idea of the solar powered number. Sandy went away and did loads of research and we found it had never been done before. We decided from day one that we were going to make a top class, great product and i’s success is spreading across the world very nicely.” The product has already been featured in Inishowen. “I played Gaelic football for Urris when I was younger and for their 40th birthday celebrations last year we sent out one to them. We don’t just do numbers we can also do house names etc. A lot of neighbourhood watch groups are extremely interested in them. The ambulance and police love it, as do taxi drivers and delivery men. It just makes things so much easier for them; they can find the houses without delay. The product has already been featured on a number of Australian TV shows, listed as a smart design product. The business, in line with its core objective of community safety, is also a minor sponsor of Neighbourhood Watch Queensland for 2010. The product has also been making waves around the world with countries such as England, Scotland, America and Ireland all expressing interest. Mr Friel is “delighted” with its success and his ever-increasing workload. “It’s just getting bigger and bigger but we’re absolutely delighted. It’s a challenge but I really love it.” Danny’s solar powered address number lighting system is now available through Irish distributor www.purchase.ie The device is available for 39.95 euro through the website or you can call 01 8428187 to order over the phone. At present purchase.ie are offering a 10% discount on the product when you enter the discount coupon code ‘purchase410’ when buying online and delivery is free when you spend 55 euro or more on the website.