Borris Lacemakers News

It has been all needles stitching since the A.G.M. of Borris Lacemakers at the end of January.  On Saturday February 15th three members Ingelise Stuijts, Catherine Kavanagh and Helena McAteer attended the Guild of Irish Lacemakers’ Monthly Lace Day which was held in the Parish Pastoral Centre, Holy Cross Church, Dundrum and taught Borris Lace to a group of ten, three of whom had attended a beginner’s workshop previously at Borris House. Then on Friday Feb 21st Margaret Byrne, Mary O’Neill, Marie Ryan, Betty Thompson and Bridget Barcoe travelled to Limerick for an ‘Amazing Lace Symposium.’ There they displayed samples of Borris Lace and the Borris Lace ‘Starter Packs’ while viewing other Laces of Ireland and listening to the stories of how the different lace schools started in the various counties.  Also present at that symposium was Samantha Morris, a PHD student who has been interviewing members of not only the current Borris Lacemakers but many others in the town and surrounds who has knowledge of this unique Lace. Samantha gave an outstanding presentation on Borris Lace on the day. As well as Samantha, another student, undergraduate Michelle Kavanagh has engaged with the Lacemakers in the past couple of weeks, as part of her studies at UCC.  The month of March looks equally as busy for the group with Mary O’Neill and Catherine Kavanagh attending the Kinsale International Lace Festival at the Trident Hotel Kinsale from March 3rd to 7th.  The festival includes classes in different types of lace, demonstrations, a lace exhibition and social events where lacemakers can chat about their particular lacemaking techniques. Once again the unique Starter Packs will be available for sale giving an opportunity to a wide audience to learn Borris Lace. Other activities in March include participation in the Borris St. Patrick’s Day Parade and a workshop in Borris House on Saturday March 29th. As always apart from these exciting adventures the Lacemakers continue to gather in the Meeting Room of Borris Library on Wednesday mornings from 10a.m. – 12.30p.m.