Inside the Cork Design College celebrating 35 years 

The fact that a Kilkenny woman was willing to do a round trip of just under four hours to attend a course in Mallow, says a lot about its calibre..

So too does the fact that she initially completed three years of study there, then went on to do a further year, and now intends to keep on going.

That’s the endorsement of Rosemary Flynn, who is a pupil of the renowned Mallow College of Design and Tailoring (MCDT), which offers courses in dressmaking, pattern drafting, fashion design, and more, and which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

Past pupil Magdalena Wroblewska said MCDT was invaluable to setting up her sustainable accessory brand INASKY, and along with Rosemary, said she was initially drawn to the college, founded by Kerry woman Mary Cashman, because of the flexibility it offered.

“Many years ago, I was looking for a fashion course in the evenings but couldn’t find one in Cork city, and since I was working full-time, I couldn’t study full-time – only part-time in the evenings would work for me.

“Then one day, while searching online, I came across Mallow College. I still remember taking my first bus there - it was such an exciting moment.

“Because of the course, I was motivated to learn how to drive, and I eventually got my driving licence and a car, which made studying and commuting much easier,” said Magdalena.

Rosemary also found it difficult to find a suitable course on her doorstep.

Having discovered her late mother’s sewing machine, she was keen to learn how to use it, but was unable to find a course in her native Kilkenny.

“I had no idea how to even thread it and was researching courses online when I met a lady by pure chance who had completed a course in Mallow, so I said I’d give it a go,” she said.

Fast forward a few years, and she’s now considering making her outfit for her son’s wedding next year – that’s the magic of MCDT!

Founded by trained nurse Mary Cashman, originally from Kenmare, it all started after a compliment from a Midleton priest, which prompted her career change.

“I did the bridesmaid dresses for my sister-in-law’s wedding, and the priest said that’s what I should be doing!” she remembers.

Mary, who was married with two children, initially did a course in fashion design in the Cork College of Fashion on Anglesea Street.

After completing it, she took a leap of faith and started running sewing classes - initially for 20 part- time students in a premises in Mallow in 1988.

A few years on, with demand wildly surpassing Mary’s expectations, the family moved from their home in Newtwopothouse to live overhead at the new premises for the college, where they are still located today.

“If the walls here could talk...” laughs Mary, joking that at times the college was almost ‘too successful’.

Assisted by Sue Pearce of Sue Pearce Couture, who has worked in MCDT for 25 years, and Jess Lucas, a former student herself, who previously designed under the label Kozae and who has taught there for 17 years, together they have tutored countless students from all over the country – and the demand keeps on growing.

Its reputation is rock solid – and not just for the quality of its teaching, but for its nurturing and supportive environment.

“The course at Mallow College gave me a solid foundation in design, pattern making, and construction, while inspiring creativity and sustainability—values that shape my business today. The tutors were incredibly supportive throughout, and their encouragement continues to inspire me even now in both my design work and teaching career,” said Magdalena.

“What makes the course so special is its hands-on approach combined with genuine support from tutors who really care about each student’s growth. It’s not just about learning technical skills, but also about nurturing creativity, confidence, and a sustainable mindset.

“That personal attention and encouragement helped me develop both as a designer and as a creative professional,” she added.

Rosemary agreed: “I have learned so much more than I ever imagined – fantastic skills - and also made life-long friends. It’s a place where you can make mistakes and that’s part of the draw. You get support, inspiration and the tutors are genuinely brilliant. They don’t just teach, but challenge, and encourage us.”

A career highlight for Mary was meeting designer Paco Rabanne in 2010, when he judged a competition their students were taking part in.

“MCDT really punches above its weight,” she said.

But it’s the day-to-day interactions with her 80 students that she loves the most, and at the age of 67, she has no plans to retire, and still very much enjoys her work.

“It’s not just about learning new skills, but about meeting new people, carving out some time for yourself with like-minded, creative people.

“For some students, it’s a hobby – one that really sucks you in – and for others they use it to launch their own business with our students going on to things like fashion merchandising, dress making and alterations or opening boutiques. It’s so diverse,” she said.

It’s also rewarding.

Rosemary sums it up: “I’m in the middle of making a coat for my sister-in-law and I’d now run something up nearly as quick as buying something – it’s a real feather in your cap,” she said.

“I know my mother would be so impressed!