Cork Craft Month 2025 is set to launch on August 1, 2025, marking two decades of celebrating creativity in the region. This year’s event boasts an impressive lineup of 99 events, including 80 hands-on workshops, reflecting the growing public interest in unique, handcrafted items. The festival, organized by Cork Craft & Design, aims to connect local artists with the community, allowing visitors to engage directly in the craft-making process.

The upcoming festival will feature a significant shift towards experiential learning, with approximately 81% of the events focused on workshops, up from 70% in 2024. This trend underscores a broader movement toward participatory experiences, where attendees can immerse themselves in various crafts. Notable workshops include seaweed pressing with Samuel Arnold Keane on August 23, and basket-making sessions with Sonia Caldwell on August 4 and spoon-carving with Tadhg Breathnach-Peelo on August 17.

Expanding Opportunities for Local Artisans

The festival’s growth mirrors the increasing appeal of careers in the crafts sector. Many artists have transformed their creative hobbies into sustainable professions, especially following the pandemic. In a recent interview, Ava Hayes, director of Cork Craft Month, noted that many makers reassessed their careers during lockdown. “What began as a creative outlet for some has blossomed into full-time practices,” she explained. The festival now supports over 110 members, encompassing a diverse array of craftspeople from potters to textile artists.

Cork Craft Month not only highlights individual creativity but also fosters a sense of community among artisans. Hayes emphasized that being part of a collective like Cork Craft & Design enhances visibility for makers. “Events like Cork Craft Month provide a platform for storytelling and skill-sharing, which is crucial for our members,” she stated. The event serves as a marketplace for artisans to showcase their work, but it also facilitates deeper connections with the public.

The festival’s opening event, Echoes of the Makers, will take place at Fota House on August 1. This special exhibition celebrates the two decades of Cork Craft & Design’s contributions to the arts. Additionally, the Voice of the Craft exhibition will open at St. Peter’s on August 14, showcasing the evolution of craft in the region.

A Bright Future for Craft in Cork

As Cork Craft Month celebrates its 20th anniversary, the landscape of craft and design has shifted significantly. “Craft has moved from the margins to the mainstream,” Hayes noted, highlighting the growing recognition of craftsmanship as both an art form and a viable career. The festival reflects this transition, showcasing the resilience and innovation of local makers.

The enduring popularity of Cork Craft Month can be attributed to its ability to foster connections between the public and artisans. Visitors are not just observers; they are participants eager to learn and create. Each event, whether it involves clay throwing or botanical workshops, transforms into a memorable experience.

To view the complete schedule of events, workshops, and exhibitions, interested parties can visit corkcraftanddesign.ie. Given the limited capacity of some workshops, early booking is highly recommended. As Cork Craft Month approaches, anticipation builds for another year filled with creativity and community engagement.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly rejected two key proposals from the European Commission regarding new revenue streams for the European Union’s upcoming long-term budget. During a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on March 15, 2024, Merz stated that Germany would not support an EU tax on high-turnover companies or the concept of joint borrowing to finance a proposed €400 billion crisis fund.

The European Commission presented its budget plan on March 14, suggesting that the new EU tax and joint borrowing could provide necessary funds for the EU’s central budget, projected at €1.816 trillion for the seven-year period starting in 2028. This proposal initiates a complex negotiation process involving the EU’s executive body, national governments, and the European Parliament, all of which must reach a consensus before the budget can be finalized.

Merz articulated his concerns about the legality of the proposed company tax, emphasizing, “There is no question of the European Union taxing companies, as the European Union has no legal basis for this.” He reiterated that Germany will not pursue such a financial strategy, reinforcing the country’s long-standing stance against EU-wide taxation.

Additionally, Merz expressed his worries about the increasing reliance on joint debt among EU member states. He described this reliance as “permissible as an exception” but cautioned that it is becoming “the new normal.” Germany has historically resisted collective borrowing, primarily due to concerns that it would obligate Berlin to cover debts incurred by higher-spending nations. While Germany conceded to temporary joint borrowing during the Covid-19 pandemic for economic recovery, the Chancellor’s latest remarks indicate a return to a more stringent fiscal posture.

“The European Union must basically make do with the money it has available,” Merz stated, predicting that the next two years will see significant contention over the budget negotiations. The proposed budget represents a substantial increase in the EU’s spending capabilities compared to the current budget, which has been in effect since 2021.

To address the funding needs, the Commission also introduced plans for three new taxes targeting electronic waste, tobacco products, and high-turnover companies. These measures are expected to generate between €25 billion and €30 billion annually to help repay post-Covid debts.

Despite his firm stance on taxation, Merz acknowledged a positive aspect of the Commission’s proposal. He commended Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, for attempting to rebalance expenditure proportions, particularly in light of increased defense spending.

As negotiations unfold, the differing approaches to funding and fiscal responsibility among EU member states will likely shape the trajectory of the upcoming budget discussions. With Germany’s influential role in the EU, Merz’s objections could significantly impact the final decisions regarding the EU’s financial future.

A dedicated employee at a McDonald’s restaurant in Kilkenny has showcased his exceptional abilities beyond the fast-food kitchen, bringing home multiple medals from regional sporting events. Adam, who has been with the Kilkenny McDonald’s for the past seven years, earned both gold and bronze medals in various competitions, much to the pride of his colleagues and the local community.

SOS Kilkenny, the organization that introduced Adam to the workforce, is celebrating its 50th anniversary today, March 15, 2024. This notable milestone highlights the support the organization provides to individuals with different abilities, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives within the community.

Adam’s achievements in sports have been impressive. In February, he secured a gold medal in the Leinster regional Bocce event. His success continued in June when he claimed gold in both the Javelin and the 100 metres at the regional athletics competition. Most recently, Adam added a bronze medal to his collection in a regional golfing event.

The McDonald’s team celebrated Adam’s accomplishments, posting on social media to share their excitement. “Our employee Adam’s recent sporting triumphs are nothing short of amazing. He brought his medals in today to show us all just how talented and successful he has been,” the post stated.

The franchise owner, Chris, plans to attend the celebration organized by SOS Kilkenny, emphasizing the importance of community support and recognition for Adam’s hard work and dedication. “Well done to Adam on his sporting achievements, and we hope to see him bringing home more gold medals in the future,” the post concluded.

This story underscores not only Adam’s personal triumphs but also the impact of organizations like SOS Kilkenny in fostering talent and inclusion within the local community.

The Bank of Ireland has adjusted its forecast for the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025, raising it to 8.1% due to a significant increase in exports. This upward revision follows a period of robust economic activity, particularly driven by stockpiling efforts from American importers ahead of tariff announcements made by Donald Trump.

The surge in exports can be attributed not only to these anticipatory measures by U.S. businesses but also to the introduction of new pharmaceutical production facilities in Ireland. These developments have played a pivotal role in the economy, contributing to a remarkable 7.4% increase in GDP during the first quarter of this year.

Factors Driving Economic Growth

The combination of American importers preparing for potential tariffs and fresh investments in intellectual property assets has created a conducive environment for growth. The Bank of Ireland’s positive revision reflects a broader trend of resilience within the Irish economy amidst fluctuating global trade conditions.

Ireland’s pharmaceutical sector has been particularly instrumental in this growth. The establishment of new production facilities is expected to bolster the country’s export capabilities significantly. These facilities not only enhance the volume of goods produced but also improve the quality and range of products available for export.

Moreover, the investments in intellectual property assets signal a shift towards innovation-driven economic strategies in Ireland. As companies adapt to the changing landscape of international trade, this focus on intellectual property may provide a competitive edge in the global market.

Looking Ahead: Economic Prospects

The revised GDP forecast is a clear indicator of the Bank of Ireland’s confidence in the nation’s economic trajectory. Analysts suggest that if the current trends continue, the Irish economy may experience sustained growth through 2025 and beyond.

The interaction between local production capabilities and international demand is vital. The Bank of Ireland’s assessment highlights not only the immediate impacts of tariff-related stockpiling but also the long-term benefits of strategic investments in key sectors.

As global economic dynamics continue to shift, the resilience of the Irish economy will depend on its ability to adapt and innovate. The positive outlook from the Bank of Ireland serves as a reminder of the potential for growth, even in the face of external pressures.