Ministers to Wear and Gift Wool Products Abroad on St. Patrick’s Day
In a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage and sustainability, government ministers are set to carry a unique piece of Ireland with them as they journey across the globe this St. Patrick’s Day. As part of a concerted effort to highlight the versatility and value of Irish wool, they will be wearing and gifting woolen items crafted from this natural resource.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC), which seeks to promote Irish-grown wool through various means, including international diplomacy. The move comes on the heels of a comprehensive report by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which explored market opportunities for Irish wool-based products, leading to the formation of the IGWC in April 2023.
To mark the occasion, the IGWC has commissioned an array of elegantly knitted white wool throws and green scarves. These items are made from wool sourced directly from sheep farms across Ireland, celebrating the local wool industry’s rich heritage and its contemporary application.
The throws and scarves are a collaborative effort between several Irish companies and artisans. Donegal Yarns, located in Kilcar, Co. Donegal, spun the wool, while the knitting was expertly handled by Bonner of Ireland in Ardara, Co. Donegal. Adding a final touch of personalization, each item features the IGWC logo, embroidered by Alison Gault at the Belfast School of Art, Ulster University.
The woolen products will accompany ministers as they embark on the government’s annual program of international visits. The roster of ministers participating in this innovative gifting program is as diverse as the destinations:
- Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, will visit Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
- Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett, is set for Finland, Estonia, and Latvia.
- Minister of State for New Market Development, Martin Heydon, will journey to Germany.
- Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, will travel to Brazil.
- Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, is slated for Poland and Romania.
- Minister of State for Public Procurement, Communications, and Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, will venture to South Korea.
- Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins, will visit Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the US.
Additionally, the initiative will include Fianna Fáil Seanad spokesperson for climate action, communication networks, and transport, Timmy Dooley, as he makes his way to Washington D.C.
Highlighting the domestic celebration of this initiative, President Michael D. Higgins is set to present Irish wool products to visiting dignitaries in Ireland. Moreover, popular horse racing commentators Ruby Walsh and Kevin O’Ryan will don the green scarves during their coverage of the Cheltenham Racing Festival, further promoting Irish wool on an international stage.
Catherine Phibbs, interim chairperson of the IGWC, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “This is a significant opportunity to showcase Irish-grown wool to the world. Representatives of our state engage in an extensive international programme to promote Ireland and Irish interests and values around the world during St. Patrick’s Day week, and now Irish-grown wool is a visible part of this year’s global story.”
This initiative not only serves to strengthen diplomatic ties but also places Irish wool squarely on the global map as a sustainable and luxurious product, showcasing Ireland’s commitment to promoting its natural resources and cultural heritage.
