Dungannon is undoubtedly one of Tyrone’s most important towns and has a rich sporting history. For example, it is the home of professional golfer Darren Clarke with a wide range of sports enjoyed by the town’s residents. It is seen as an enjoyable place to live because of its cleanliness and the spirit of community that exists within the town. Although employment prospects in the town are already good, the town council is hoping to attract more businesses and skilled employees.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town’s economy relied almost entirely on agriculture and linen production. In the modern era, this has changed with a greater emphasis placed on the food industry and light engineering. The Dungannon Enterprise Centre can be found on Coalisland Road and it is dedicated to supporting businesses which are just starting up in the area. The Centre hopes to improve the local economy by improving the prospects of local businesses first and foremost. It enables businesses to easily rent office space with flexible lending terms and also provides training to new businesses on marketing and finance. As of 2009, the Centre had helped more than 120 businesses to start up and over 50 established businesses to grow.
In terms of sector, 65% of people who work in Dungannon are employed in the services sector (30% private and 35% public), 29% work in the manufacturing sector with less than 5% of employees engaged in the construction sector. The town has enjoyed a period where its unemployment rate has fallen dramatically. In 1991, approximately 17% of Dungannon’s residents were unemployed. By 2002, this figure had fallen to just 3%. In terms of unemployment duration, only 38% of people are unemployed for more than 6 months with just 20% out of work for a year. Effectively, living in Dungannon virtually guarantees you a job as only 0.6% of the population are unemployed for more than a year.
The town of Dungannon is well known for its sporting exploits. As well as being home to the aforementioned golfing superstar Darren Clarke, Dungannon plays host to a number of different sporting teams. For example, it is one of the few towns that have a cricket club. Although the side has yet to reach senior level, it has been in existence since 1865 which makes it the oldest sporting club of any kind in the town.
Dungannon was one of the first towns in Ireland to form a fully fledged rugby club. The rugby side has been active since 1873 and became the first ever Ulster side to win the All-Ireland League. Although they are a rugby club, the team’s official name is Dungannon Football Club. They were a founding member of the IRFU and have been one of the top sides in Ulster rugby for decades.
Dungannon Swifts are the town’s football team and are the only team from Tyrone who take part in the IFA Premiership. They have proudly represented the town in European competition on a couple of recent occasions. If you are interested in working in Dungannon, know that well paid jobs are available and that sport is one of the best ways to unwind while living in the area.