Heads are going to roll at Full of the Pipe 2026 with Flying Duckmen 

29/06/2026

Full of the Pipe will always command a very special place in the history of Flying Duckmen, who officially launched their fantastic business at the 2025 edition of Ireland’s premier truck show. A year on, the Doran family will make the short trek from Straffan in Kildare to Mondello Park to once more showcase their novel products to the close-knit trucking community. 

In July, 2025, Full of the Pipe provided the perfect backdrop for Flying Duckmen’s first public showcase. Surrounded by the roar of engines, the gleam of chrome and the heartbeat of the trucking community, FOTP ’25 at Mondello Park was indeed the most poignant setting for the official launch of Flying Duckmen. 

As the official Flying Duckmen website confirms, it was a real pleasure to launch the brand amongst friends and peers: “Being a local event, it meant the world to have friends, family and fellow drivers stop by our stand to show support. The encouragement, feedback and ideas we received gave us an incredible sense of belonging right from the start. It wasn’t just a launch — it was a reunion with the road and the people who share our passion. 

“We’re deeply grateful to the organisers for hosting such an amazing event and for presenting Flying Duckmen with an Appreciation Award for innovation and our professional trade stand setup. It’s a recognition we’ll always be proud of.” 

Synonymous with the eye-catching Griffin and Viking head mascots for the exterior of trucks, Flying Duckmen was born from a trucking heritage that goes back six decades and counting - a way to honour the industry that raised the Doran family, while finding a new route into it. “The trucking world is tough, honest and built on pride. We wanted to create something that reflected that spirit - something made for the drivers, the trucks and the road itself. This brand is our compliment to the industry we love. 

“When we looked at the industry, we wanted to bring imagination and originality back to it - to create something never seen before. That’s how our truck mascots, The Viking and The Griffin, were born. Legends of myth reimagined for the modern road — crafted with precision, built to last, and made to lead the way. We’re proud to be the first to bring these icons to market, designed for those who command the highways and live for the journey.” 

Forged in folklore and reborn for the modern road, The Viking truck mascot stands as a symbol of strength, courage and relentless spirit. Once the ruler of open seas — now he commands the highways. Mounted proudly on your truck, he brings the power of the north wherever the road leads. The Griffin, meanwhile, is a guardian of power, pride and freedom. Half eagle, half lion, the mighty Griffin once ruled the skies — now he soars above the highways, watching over those bold enough to roam. Crafted as a single seamless mold from high-quality PVC, with cold-rolled steel and zinc-coated mounting brackets, built to endure every journey. Anti-vibration rubbers ensure a stable hold, while optional illumination brings the warrior to life, day or night. 

Having grown up in the industry, Chris Doran, the man behind the genesis of these iconic truck-mounted mascots and the full range of Flying Duckmen merch, is looking forward to returning to Full of the Pipe to mingle again with fellow truckers and showcase the Flying Duckmen mascots and lifestyle merchandise range that compliments the pride, character and enduring spirit of the trucking community: 

“Full of the Pipe is very special to us and it’s local. Being based in Straffan, we’d have grown up here and Full of the Pipe is our local show. To launch the business there was a brilliant experience and I have to say the organisers of Full of the Pipe were very supportive of Flying Duckmen since we first met and have encouraged and promoted us. We’ve struck up a great relationship, and they’ve had a very positive influence on us. 

“Last year’s show was a milestone for us and we couldn’t have asked for better. With two days of 30-degree heat and a wonderful atmosphere, it was perfect for us and a memory that we’ll never forget. We can’t wait to return and the fact that Mondello is so close to home is absolutely ideal.” 

How goes Flying Duckmen as a business? “Great, It’s growing steady and take-up of the products has been very positive. We launched the new mounted heads to rival the old Michelin Man and Volvo Viking mascot 

“We started with the Griffin for Scania and the Viking for Volvo, but the Viking has taken on a life of its own also and isn’t confined to just Volvo now. It’s going onto all trucks and has been sold into Norway, Latvia, Germany, France, Spain, all over the UK and of course Ireland. It has enjoyed organic growth and has spread all over Europe. When lads see other truckers with it, they want one for themselves. 

“These mascots are for the exterior of the truck but we’re also going to be bringing a new range of smaller heads for interior dashes to Full of the Pipe this year, as well as a few other new ideas. We got some good feedback from truckers last year about products we could develop and we’re looking forward to hearing their suggestions and ideas again. 

“Full of the Pipe is always a great weekend and please god we’ll have the weather again. Everything about it, even setting up, is great craic. You could be there from the Thursday or Friday prepping and setting up and the camaraderie and craic with the crew is unreal. You might be setting up until 11pm or later but nobody is looking at their watches because there’s a great buzz in the air.” 

The roots of Doran Direct are firmly embedded in Irelands transport industry, dating back to 1966 when the late Peadar Doran started trading as Peter J Doran. As the family-run company marks its 60th anniversary, the next generation continues to carry the business forward, delivering trusted national and international haulage services throughout Ireland, UK and Europe.