The tradition of lacemaking in Sligo started as a social enterprise initiative.
In 1901 the Congested Districts Board, as part of an employment creation scheme, engaged the services of Catherine Cosgrove, a talented lacemaker from Clones, County Monaghan.
She relocated to Cliffoney in County Sligo, where she began to train local women in lacemaking. She provided them with the skills that allowed them to become self-employed. A popular teacher, the craft of lacemaking grew quickly under the supervision of Catherine Cosgrove.
One of the benefits of this enterprise was that it provided women with a break from routine in the form of regular meetups. The social aspect was important for mutual support and the opportunity to hone their lacemaking.
Teresa Daly has spent much of her life working with lace. The collection of antique lace garments on display in her workshop serve as testament to her talent. They also hold memories. The church vestment made for a relative was one she worked on with her aunt and mother, both of whom passed away in 1944.
Teresa Daly took over the family business and continued to employ local lacemakers, but demand declined in subsequent decades. She opened a small craft shop aimed at the tourist industry in Cliffoney. Lacemaking remained in the area, albeit on a different scale.
We made small things like the handkerchiefs.
The door of Chalet Marietta may be closing, but Teresa Daly will continue to make lace in her retirement.
This episode of 'Nationwide’ was broadcast on 28 May 2001. The reporter is Stella Carroll.
'Nationwide' is an early evening magazine programme that brings Irish viewers an eclectic round-up of news, views and events from around the country.
