The managing director of one of the largest family-owned businesses in the country, the Gowan Group, said yesterday that the scarcity of new housing has held back the performance of its appliance and consumer electronics business.

Derby finalist Vulturi, trained by Liam Dowling (inset) took a major step towards another Classic final when winning a very competitive first quarter-final of the Kerry Agribusiness St Leger on Saturday night at Limerick.

BOTH Shelbourne Park and Limerick will play host to a number of Ireland’s finest this evening as the Tote Gold Cup and Roche’s Feeds Oaks commence at the respective venues.

THE Gowan Group, one of the largest family-owned businesses in Ireland, reported pre-tax losses of more than €50 million in 2008 compared with a profit of €2.6m in the previous year.