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.
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.
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Vessels by Feltmakers Ireland guild member Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – includes Galway wool fibre
The Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS) will display a selection of rare breeds in Bunratty Heritage and Folk Park in Co Clare on August 18th from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Furthermore, as part of this Heritage Week event, an art exhibition will highlight the wonders of native Irish Galway Wool and its pivotal role in our textile cultural heritage. If you missed the Galway Wool Co-op’s Meitheal in Athenry, this event is an excellent opportunity to see some of the work. Plus, there will new pieces made from Irish wool. At least three of Feltmakers Ireland guild members will have felted art in the show: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Karena Ryan, and Juliane Gorman.
This incredible display, curated by artist Michelle Hickey Legge, showcases how our Native Irish wool-growing heritage can once again become the sustainable strength behind a revived—REAL and 100% Irish-grown woollen Sector, the communities it could support, and its ecological footprint.
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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.
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.
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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The Galway Wool Co-op, with Artist-in-Residence Michelle Hickey Legge, is delighted to announce the coming together of art and earth—‘Land to the Hand’. This unique exhibition of art through the medium of Galway Wool will take place this year at the annual Galway Wool Meitheal, Athenry, Galway.
The Coop invites artists on the island of Ireland working in all disciplines, age groups and abilities to engage with themes and concepts that connect the Galway Sheep Breed to the Irish landscape and the rich historical heritage of the Galway fleece. Artists who took part last year are also welcome to apply.
When: The Meithal is Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, for one morning only.
For expressions of interest, direct message Michelle Hickey Legge via Instagram – @michellehickeyart before midnight, the 31st of May.
For more information about Galway Wool, visit the Coop’s website – https://galwaywool.ie/
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.
All photographs are by Breda Fay, except for the Cathedral window by Tamzen Lundy.
Written by Feltmakers Ireland guild member Breda Fay
I took a trip to nearby Kildare town on Saturday, the 27th of January, to visit the launch of the Brigid’s Cloaks exhibition. I love “launches” as they usually provide an opportunity to talk to the artist and I was not disappointed here.
It was a pleasure to meet the manager/director of this project, Lorna McCormack, of the Wool in School programme. From my days [as an educator] “at the chalkface” I have been impressed with the ethos of this school programme, aligned closely with local culture and heritage and Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Lorna introduced me to lead Artist Michelle Hickey Legge, who described the works. The focus was on using locally sourced Irish wool and sustainable resources. Four stunning St Brigid’s Cloaks were crafted “with an all-encompassing approach to wool heritage and art”, Lorna explained. “With a focus on an all-island approach involving many generations, people across Ireland came together and immersed themselves in heritage crafts and community connections”. Lorna had some amusing stories about how the children chose the placement of their work. She also pointed out some interesting features I might have missed: a knitted piece from one of Seamus Heaney’s aran jumpers featured; one of the cloaks had Brigid Cross motifs included.
A total of 925 were involved, including 250 local school children from the town of Kildare who made pompoms, covered CDs, pieces of wool lace and knitting, each placed onto a cloak.
St Brigid’s Cloaks is a community artwork developed by Wool in School in association with Creative Ireland and Kildare County Council. The exhibition runs until April and will tour the country afterwards.
Where: St Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare Town.
When: through April 2024, with the cloaks then touring the country.
Editor’s note: Thank you so much, Breda, for sharing your visit to the launch of St Brigid’s Cloaks in the Cathedral in Kildare Town. We love having articles by our community members. If you are a guild member and have an interesting textile event to share, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com
Open viewing of four St Brigid’s Cloaks unveiled in St Brigid’s Cathedral, in conjunction with the Brigid 1500 celebrations across the county.
St Brigid’s Cloaks is a community artwork developed by Wool in School, in association with Creative Ireland and Kildare County Council. These four stunning St Brigid’s Cloaks were crafted with an all-encompassing approach to wool heritage and art.
This project, managed by Director Lorna McCormack and lead Artist Michelle Hickey Legge, focused on using locally sourced Irish-grown wool and sustainable resources aligning with the ethos of Wool in School and several of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
This contemporary manifestation of St Brigid’s cloak highlights the value of knitting as a creative past-time which is beneficial for the health and well-being of everyone living in Ireland’s community and will create a beautiful backdrop to the celebrations and commemoration of the legacy of St Brigid at St Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare Town in 2024.
When: the 27th of January, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
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.
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