News: Irish Wool in the News – Galway Co-op and Woolin Schools

The Galway Wool Co-op won a prestigious EU Award, and the founder of Woolin Schools, Lorna McCormack, spoke at the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) in Turkey.

Galway Wool Co-op

The Galway Wool Co-op received recognition as a ‘Highly Commended Project’ at the EU CAP Network’s Agricultural and Rural Inspiration Awards (ARIA) 2024, held in Brussels.

Now in its sixth year, the ARIA awards celebrate European projects that exemplify best practices within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework, focusing on sustainability, innovation, social inclusion, and resilience. Artist and curator Michelle Hickey Legge received the award on behalf of the Co-op.

For further information, read the full article on Agriland – https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/galway-wool-co-op-wins-prestigious-eu-award/

Lorna McCormack of Woolin Schools

In December, the International Wool Textile Organisations‘ (IWTO) annual Wool Round Table convened the global wool textile industry in Istanbul, fostering networking and knowledge exchange.  More than 80 attendees represented the wool industries of 26 countries. 

The event featured key sessions on Wool Market Intelligence, Wools of Europe, Wool Education and Advocacy, and Sustainability. Lorna McCormack, founder of Woolin Schools, joined Matthew J. Rowe of Campaign for Wool Canada and Peter Ackroyd of Campaign for Wool to discuss wool education and advocacy.

For more information about the event, visit the Woolin School website – https://woolinschool.com/news/f/iwto-round-table-2024

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.

Exhibition: Festival of Cloaks – Derry

The Festival of Cloaks is an exhibition celebrating ceremonial cloak-making’s rich heritage and artistry. It showcases traditional skills, contemporary designs, and the fascinating stories behind these iconic garments. Around forty cloaks will be on display.

The exhibition includes four St Brigid’s Cloaks, originated by Woolin School organiser Lorna McCormack, with artist Michelle Hickey Legge for the St Brigid’s 1500th Anniversary celebration in Kildare. That project engaged schools and communities from the four corners of Ireland, reflecting a collective effort that mirrors St Brigid’s inclusive spirit.

The Festival of Cloaks installation honours historical traditions and enriches Derry’s cultural tapestry, inviting visitors to reflect on the themes of care, connection, and continuity.

Where: St Columb’s Cathedral in Derry, Northern Ireland.

When: The exhibition runs until the 31st of August.

For more information, visit the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe website – https://www.derryandraphoe.org/festival-of-cloaks-opens-at-st-columbs-cathedral/

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.