Sheep 2025 is the largest dedicated, sheep-focused open day on the island of Ireland.
The event includes many attractions, presentations, and demonstrations, which will interest anyone involved in sheep farming, rural life, or Irish agriculture.
For feltmakers, these areas may be of interest –
Sheep Shearing demonstrations and wool displays in the Wool Village
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
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Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
‘Learning Old Tricks from Ancient Sheep’ is a one-day exhibition of two designers’ residencies with the Galway Wool Co-op.
Fabienne Rako and Annika Joachim invite you to their exhibition ‘Learning Old Tricks from Ancient Sheep’, which they are presenting in cooperation with the Galway Wool Co-Op. Together with Galway Wool, they aim to elaborate on the various applications in which all parts of the sheep’s wool can be properly utilised.
Within their two-week residency with the Co-op, they explored the potential of noil, a short fibre by-product of worsted spinning, to create unique, textured garments. Their work will showcase noil’s potential beyond waste, transforming it into high-quality, contemporary Irish textiles.
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
World Wide Spin in Public (WWSIP) Day was started in 2009 and is scheduled for the third Saturday of September. There is a Facebook group showing all the spinning happening worldwide – https://www.facebook.com/groups/wwsipday/
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
Whole Blue Texel Fleece from Beechwood Blues Texel Sheep
Ann Gunning of Beechwood Blues Texel Sheep needs an experienced feltmaker to create a vegetarian (no-kill) sheepskin rug out of Blue Texel fleece from her flock. The completed rug will be used to promote Irish wool.
All materials provided.
For more information, please contact Ann via email asjgunning@gmail.com or phone, 0862346720
Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
On Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, the exhibition “Land to the Hand” celebrated the rich heritage of native Irish Galway Wool at the annual Meitheal in the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Market. It was the fourth yearly Meitheal organised by the Galway Wool Co-op, a voluntary group of people raising the native breed of Galway Sheep. Blátnaid Gallagher is the group’s secretary and excellent ambassador.
Blátnaid Gallagher opening the Meitheal at the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Mart.
The Exhibition
At last year’s Meitheal, artist and curator Michelle Hickey Legge brought together the works of sixteen artists. This year, Michelle had twice as many artists involved: 32 participants contributed pieces that showcased outstanding handwoven textiles, intricate knitwear, creative crochet, impressive feltmaking, and contemporary wool art – all made from Irish-raised Galway Wool. The event highlighted the craftsmanship of some of Ireland’s top makers, educators, and innovators.
The Wool
While the exhibition was going on, the cooperative’s farmers brought their yields of Galway wool into the Meitheal. According to the Tuam Herald, 5,000 kg of wool were delivered, and farmers were guaranteed €2.50 per kg for their wool.
The Clip
Galway Wool Sheep
More Delights
Additionally, the Meitheal had a traditional Irish music session and a sheep shearing demonstration in the background, along with coffee, tea, and biscuits.
Visitors admired the skilful blending of ancient techniques with modern designs, which reflected Ireland’s cultural tapestry. The interactive workshop on wool spinning with Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters, drew enthusiastic participation, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices.
Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters – seated by her spinning wheel.
Congratulations to all the artists who exhibited their outstanding works. Special congratulations to Lorna McCormack from Wool in School for being the Overall Winner of the Show for her educational concept; this award was sponsored by Donegal Yarns.
Woolin School product
Claire McGovern from Rhyme Studio was awarded for her contemporary rugs; this award was sponsored by Aviation Graphix. For her contemporary works, Karena Ryan was awarded by the Galway Wool Co-op. Karena is a member of Feltmakers Ireland! Additionally, Jean Long was awarded for her Geansaí Chléire, also sponsored by the Galway Wool Co-op. Lastly, Evin Higgins of Caoirigh Farms was given the Industry Award for Innovation, sponsored by Vincent Hughes from the Aran Woollen Mills.
Caoirigh Farm’s entry
Thanks
Thank you to all of the farmers, artists, and supporters. Lastly, the warmest thanks go to Michelle Hickey Legge for her tireless efforts in curating and organising the exhibition.
Michell Hickey Legge – and camera men
Michelle Hickey Legge’s piece for the exhibition
Feltmakers Ireland Members
Several members from Feltmakers Ireland were in attendance and/or had pieces at the exhibition: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Juliane Gorman, Karena Ryan, Margaret Collins Ryan, and Tamzen Lundy.
Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – @bombyxmoriwearableart
Juliane Gorman – @felthappiness
Karena Ryan – @karenaryantextiles
Margaret Ryan Collins
Tamzen Lundy’s piece – @tamzenlundydesigns
More Artwork from the Meitheal
This is only a sampling of the work at the show, which ranged from the functional to the artistic. We are sorry that we may have omitted some of the artists’ contributions to the Meitheal.
Collaboration between dyer Malu Colorin and weaver Aideen Macken – @malu_colorin and @aideen.macken
Fiona McDonagh – @Lamhclinicgalway
Olga Profutkina – @olgakina_dolls
Rhyme Studio rugs – @rhymestudioart
Sarah Kineen’s piece – @lifeinajamjar
Ellen Keohane’s Leaving Certificate course artwork
Catherine O’Connor – @bofinweaves
Annie O’Toole – @knitaran13
Christine McNamara – @christines_craft
Annie Gambril – @killala.woolcraft
Students’ work
Ryan Koenig – @ryankoenigstudio
Niamh O’Connell – winner of last year’s Meitheal and exhibitor and judge at this year’s.
Coming Up
A television program on the Galway Wool Coop will be on Nationwide sometime this autumn!
Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog
Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.
Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.
Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.
Feltmakers Ireland 