Mary O'Neill
| Address: | Carlow |
Mary O’Neill is originally from Tullow, in County Carlow. She learned the basics of Carrickmacross Lacemaking at the age of twelve from Sr Paschal Richardson of the Brigidine Convent in Tullow, County Carlow. She has maintained a great interest in the lacemaking as a hobby and over time developed a passion for all things lace. She subsequently began designing her own patterns and researched the techniques of Carrickmacross Lacemaking, which enabled her to develop her unique contemporary style. In 1998 she set up a small lacemaking business named “Arduin Lace Collection” which was based in Ballinskelligs, County Kerry, operating from a small whitewashed cottage on the Skellig Ring, just off the world famous Ring of Kerry. Here she taught local women’s groups the traditional craft. In 2003, the business name changed to “The Lace Gallery” and relocated to Carrigslaney, Kilbride in County Carlow. Throughout the years, Mary has won several national awards at the Royal Dublin Society Craft Awards, including the Eleanor de la Branchardière award on two occasions, for innovative design.
