County Mayor praises Cork Deaf Enterprises for 'remarkable craftsmanship' at visit

THE Mayor of County Cork has praised a Cork business which he said has played an integral part in the life of Cork’s Deaf community over the past three decades.

Deaf Enterprises, which is located in Ballinlough, was founded in 1987 by Father Bill Clarke, and in its time it has earned a reputation for furniture repair, re-upholstery, French polishing, and renovation of the highest quality.

The Cork charity is Ireland’s only dedicated employer of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Every year Deaf Enterprises repairs, re-upholsters and restores an estimated 150 tonnes of furniture that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Last year, the business expanded in an environmentally friendly direction as some of its employees trained to become qualified bicycle mechanics as they recycle and repair used bikes.

The charity currently employs 35 staff, 28 of whom are deaf or hard of hearing, or identify as having a disability.

The company offers training and placements, as well as full-time employment, for members of a community that has suffered for years from high levels of unemployment.

Since Deaf Enterprises began, over 100 deaf people have taken part in employment, training or work experience initiatives in the company, with most going on to further employment.

Last week saw the formal launch by the Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Frank O’Flynn, of a recently installed new floor in Deaf Enterprises’ Sundrive Park workshop. Cllr O’Flynn said it had been a joyous occasion to attend the official launch, and he was delighted to note that the charity had received support from both the HSE and the Department of Rural and Community Development, backing which he said had been instrumental in “breathing new life into this wonderful establishment”.

Expressing his “heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated employees of Deaf Enterprises”, Mr O’Flynn said it was their unwavering commitment and hard work which had made the charity the success it was.

“It is their sweat, toil, and passion that have made all the achievements we see today possible. The facilities in Ballinlough have been a beacon of hope, narrowing the divide between those who are deaf or hard of hearing and employment opportunities,” he said.

“As I toured the workshop earlier, I was truly mesmerised by the remarkable craftsmanship on display. From furniture restoration to upholstery, polishing, and bicycle repair, it was an artistic feast for the eyes.

“Many of us have cherished old pieces of furniture in our homes, rich with history and nostalgia. Witnessing these pieces being lovingly restored to their former glory is nothing short of heartwarming,” Mr O’Flynn said.

Commending the mission and values of Deaf Enterprises, he added that its commitment to breaking down the barriers facing deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Cork was truly remarkable, and he extended a warm invitation to the local community of Ballinlough and beyond to embrace the mission of Deaf Enterprises and avail of the services it provides.

“Together, we can create a more inclusive, vibrant, and harmonious community,” Mr O’Flynn said.

Also in attendance at the launch was Tony Lehane, owner and managing director of Floortech, which oversaw the re-flooring project, as well as children from St Columba’s school, staff of Deaf Enterprises, associates and friends.

Later that evening a Mass was celebrated in memory of Fr Bill Clarke and in recognition of the work done by Deaf Enterprises, the charity he founded over 35 years ago.