Celebrating the opening the the Kerry Craft Centre in Castlegregory last week.
THERE was a great crowd in Castlegregory last week for the opening of the new ‘Original Kerry Craft Centre’ in the village along with members of Original Kerry.
The centre, located on Strand Street in the village, has created a showcase store full of craft products from the county’s various craft makers. The centre also has studio sheds on site where the public can view the making of craft and meet craft artists such as Garry Marcham, chair maker and Úna Ní Shé, felt artist.
The centre has come about as a result of the generosity of the Brady family from Castlegregory and local business man Mike Fitzgerald.
“My mother is from Castlegregory and I’ve been visiting regularly since I was a child,” said Sean Brady, who owns the centre and who has provided it to the craft community rent free.
“I’ve always admired the remarkable craftsmanship that you find in this part of the world and I think the Original Kerry craft makers have really taken this to the next level. I’m pleased to be associated with such a talented group and I hope that the centre can provide a growth opportunity for them and for Castlegregory,” he said.
The centre was officially opened by the Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Pat McCarthy and the previous Selectman of Hingham Massachusetts, John Brady.
“I wish to commend our craft makers and artists. The recession has been hard for all of us, but with disposable income at an all-time low, surviving in the artistic world has been a real challenge. Without the world of creativity, art, design and craft our country would be a lesser place, a soulless environment. Thank you for the beauty, the excellence, and the inspiration you bring and I wish you fulfillment and continued growth in your businesses,” the Mayor Of Kerry, Cllr. Pat McCarthy said about craft makers in Kerry.
The Craft Centre is open every day and provides information on Kerry Craft Trail. It also runs felt and fibre workshops on Thursday mornings with booking essential.
Please contact Deirdre Enright 086-8524222 or by email to enquiries@originalkerry.com.
Congrats to @OriginalKerry1 new store on Strand St Castlegregory. You’ll love its excellence in design & craftmaking pic.twitter.com/c3Vdvr8iMl
— Enjoy Kerry (@KCCTourism) July 14, 2015
