Kinvara Handcraft Co-op – 1968

Connacht Tribune 20th September, 1968 p.7

The first meeting of the shareholders of the Kinvara Handcraft Co-op was held in Kinvara recently. There are 139 shareholders who hold twenty shares at £1 each.
The steering committee outlined the steps taken to date and surveyed the possibilities which lay ahead. Mr. John Tobin, I.A.O.S. addressed the meeting and spoke highly of the great response to a worthwhile idea. He went on to say that he had no doubt but that with continued local co-operation and shrewd management this venture would be an asset not alone to Kinvara but to a broad hinterland in South Galway and North Clare. By encouraging the growth of the handcraft industry and by taking viable steps to promote agriculture and tourism, this Co-operative could very well be a boon to the economy of the area.
Rev. Fr. C. O’Connor, C.C., presiding chairman, thanked Mr. Tobin and all who had contributed to the initial development.
The following management committee was elected who at their first subsequent meeting elected the officers:
Very Rev. B. Mulkerrins, P.P. (Patron);
Rev. C. O’Connor, C.C. (Chairman);
Mr. Sean McMahon, N.T. (Vice-chairman);
Mr. Toddie Byrne, N.T. (Secretary);
Mr. Kieran Moylan, N.T. (Treasurer);
Messrs. Patrick Bermingham, Gerry Ryan, Thomas Donlon, N.T., Paddy Kavanagh and B. Connors.
The ‘Aran’ knitting has been the theme of a number of meetings held in the parish and the response to date from within and outside the parish, augurs well for the success of the Co-op. The rate of 2/2 per ounce offered, plus participation in a bonus scheme, compares more than favourably with other such concerns.
Mrs. J. T. Bugg will control this aspect as distributor, finisher, quality controller, and pattern designer.
A meeting of the ladies of the parish is scheduled to discuss other aspects of handcraft, such as rushwork, crochet work, and souvenir making.
The securing of a site or premises to be used as a display centre is also receiving attention. Negotiations are in progress with Córas Tráchtála and other concerns with a view to marketing the finished products. Co-operation with other Co-ops such as Cloonfad and Strokestown is taking place. Continued guidance and support is promised from the I.D.A., Bord Failte and the County Galway Development Team.