Ballycotton stonemason among eight crafts people chosen for Irish culture exhibition as part of EU presidency

Cork-based stonemason Ed Coveney was recently chosen to contribute to an exclusive craft exhibition for one of the first key EU presidency meetings at Dublin Castle.

Ceardaíocht na hÉireann - ‘Culture in our hands’ showcases the role of Irish craft and the work of Irish makers, featuring just eight Irish crafts people.

Having been chosen to contribute to the exhibition, Ed’s work was seen by delegates from across the European Union member states last week, at an informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (JHA), which was attended by ministers of the interior, commissioners and heads of EU agencies.

Based in East Cork near Ballycotton, Mr Coveney told The Echo it was a great honour to be promoting his craft and trade, along with the importance of stonemasonry.

Through his work with large stones of flint, Ed carves and polishes their surfaces, while he aims to slowly expose the inner stories of individual stones. 

He also practises the UNESCO recognised craft of dry stone walling.

Ed's work will now go on to be featured in the RDS during the Gallagher Dublin Horse Show, as the Ceardaíocht na hÉireann – ‘Culture in our hands’ – exhibition will run at the RDS library from Monday July 20 to Wednesday August 12.

Other exhibiting artists include hurl makers Bernard and Dean Farrell, shoemaker Eamon Fay, tinsmith James Collins, lacemaker Fiona Harrington, glass maker Katie Spiers and basketmaker Hanna Van Aelst.

Eleanor Collier who organised the exhibition with curator Róisín de Buitléar added: “Craft / Ceird is central to our Irish heritage and we are thrilled to tell these beautiful stories and launch this new bilingual exhibition. It is a way of honouring both past and present.

“The works range from delicate lacemaking and glass, to tinsmithing and the complexities of crafting heels."