Handmade Laois crafts en route to Africa for St Patrick's Day with Green Minister
Minister Pippa Hackett is bringing Mountmellick Embroidery and the work of a Laois-based potter on her upcoming St Patrick's Day trip to Africa.
The Laois Offaly senator travels to Tanzania and Kenya to represent Ireland as part of the Government’s 2023 St Patrick's Day programme which she says is the most extensive international programme ever, to promote Ireland and Irish interests globally.
She spoke about the examples of local crafts she will be bringing.
“I am delighted to include the work of Laois-based makers as gifts for the visits during my trip. I am particularly proud to be bringing the work of Dolores Dempsey because of the heritage of Mountmellick embroidery.
“Originally inspired by the flora and fauna of the Owenass River, it is the only Laois entry on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Thanks to the work of Mountmellick Embroidery Museum and Development Association and craftspeople like Dolores is a living heritage craft. I believe it is practiced all over the world.
“I am also bringing a vase made by potter, Vale van der Merwe, who is based in Barrowhouse, Laois. I feel there is a contemporary celtic mood to Vale’s work which, I’m sure, will be appreciated by its new owners,” she said.
A statement said the Minister’s exact trip itinerary is still being finalised but it will include a mix of agriculture and enterprise meetings planned.
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture hopes it will include a visit to a project with strong Laois links.
“I received a wonderful invitation to visit Sr. Mary Kileen, in Nairobi and I understand her project, which works with street children, has strong Laois links. I am looking forward to visiting and learning more and I’ll keep you posted,” she said.
Minister Hackett is also bringing gifts sourced in Offaly.