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Pictured at the launch of the Uccello Kettle, a daily living aid which helps people with reduced strength or mobility to pour hot water safely or lift heavy objects were Darragh Lynch, Director of Uccello Designs and Maura Maycock, who suffers from orthopaedic problems including Osteoporosis and has been using the Uccello Kettle. Photo: Marc O’Sullivan
A NORTH Kerry man has launched a kettle which is a daily living aid helping people with reduced strength or mobility to pour hot water safely.
Ballylongford man, Darragh Lynch, Director of Uccello Designs launched the Uccello Kettle in the Irish market today.
The product features a non-weight-bearing ‘tilt to pour’ mechanism, enabling users to pour water without having to pick the kettle up.
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The Uccello Kettle was developed in Australia by three cofounders, including Darragh Lynch. Its arrival to the Irish market comes following Lynch’s recent return to his native country.
Now, Lynch is encouraging people in Kerry who have arthritis, Parkinson’s disease or any other conditions that limit mobility and strength to check out the Uccello Kettle.
Commenting today, he said: “The Uccello Kettle is a gamechanger for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, or who find it difficult to lift heavy objects. Being able to safely make a cup of tea or coffee for yourself is a hallmark of independent living. But many people struggle with the weight of a kettle full of water, due to conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or just limited strength as we age.”
The idea for the Uccello Kettle came from a family-member of one of Lynch’s Australian co-founders, who had been diagnosed with arthritis.
The product launched in Australia in 2016 and, since then, has expanded its distribution to stores in 13 countries across the world.
The company currently employs nine people, with its global operations and customer service team headquartered in Athlone.
“We have been quietly establishing our presence in Ireland since I moved home in 2018.” said Darragh Lynch.
“Covid restrictions led to an online only launch initially, but now, we are looking to build up our retail network. The idea all along has been to use Ireland as a launchpad for our European expansion. Our plans are on track and by early 2022, our aim is to have over 2,500 stores across the EU selling the Uccello Kettle.”
Currently, the Uccello Kettle is available to purchase directly at www.UccelloDesigns.ie at a cost of €65, which includes delivery to your door. The product is also stocked by a number of retailers in Ireland, including Homecare Medical and Expert Electrical.
Since its launch in Australia five years ago, Uccello has had a strong focus on working with charities and research institutions.
In Ireland, the company is collaborating with researchers at NUI Maynooth to create a range of daily living aids for customers, with the first of these expected to launch early in 2022.
Uccello has also established partnerships with Arthritis Ireland, MS Ireland and the Disability Federation of Ireland.
Globally, in 2020, Uccello Designs launched its Social Impact Accountability Programme, and in 2021 has committed to donate, ship and deliver products worth over €40,000 to assist people with arthritis in poorer countries. This is currently underway, with full delivery achieved by November 2021.
