Mayo's Derryhick Sticks participates in Made Local campaign

THE Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) has launched the second annual Made Local campaign which seeks to encourage people to support local suppliers and makers this summer.

Among the local participants is Castlebar man Paddy McGuinness of Derryhick Sticks.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, and trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore joined with DCCI chair Andrew Bradley in launching #MADELOCAL, which runs throughout the summer and aims to once again spotlight some of Ireland’s most talented craftspeople, while boosting sales and driving revenue for makers and retailers alike.

Explained Minister Varadkar: “During this summer’s campaign, designers and makers are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to their studios, galleries and craft markets. As we reopen and things are looking more hopeful, it is more important than ever to support Irish designers.

“Irish designers and makers are world renowned for their unique talent and skill. The craft and design sector contributes €500m to the Irish economy every year. I encourage everyone to discover what their local designer has to offer and support this #MadeLocal campaign.”

Commented Andrew Bradley: “Irish craft and design is an inherent part of the Irish identity. Over the past year, our studies have shown an increased desire from Irish consumers to choose quality products created by designers and craftspeople in their local communities. This year, #MADELOCAL seeks to tell the stories of these makers, building an even greater affinity between them and their customers and, in turn, support in the rejuvenation of this beloved industry.”

Stickmaking is the latest addition to the varied and enterprising life of Paddy McGuinness.

Originally from Carrickmacross in Monaghan, Paddy has lived in Castlebar since 1962 where he worked in the post office until 1976. Whilst there he started a retail business selling home decorating products, going into the business full-time in 1976.

Paddy's décor business was an immediate success and over time he established the Albany Home Décor chain which today has outlets in 30 towns throughout the country.

When the time came to reduce his time in the décor trade, he started looking for a new challenge and came up with the idea of making walking sticks.

The concept of making walking sticks might seem strange to many but was completely normal to him as he had grown up the son of a third generation of gamekeepers. Even as a young boy he would regularly use a stick as a beater at shoots or while exercising his father’s gundogs.

The material for his sticks is sourced locally in neglected thickets, along riverbanks and from hedges along little used bóreens. Every stick is totally traceable, is 100% Irish and is guaranteed handmade.

About his sticks, Paddy says: “My sticks are different. The slogan ‘Created by Nature – finished by hand’ accurately describes the sticks. They are not the mass-produced sticks that one sees typically in gift shops. Neither do they compare with the intricately carved specimen sticks that often are specially commissioned.

“Instead, they are sticks for everyday use. Like ourselves, they may have little imperfections. They are rarely 100% straight and may even have an odd lump or bump. But… they do have character and individual charm!”

Paddy's stickmaking operation is based at a country cottage in the townland of Derryhick, close to Pontoon… hence the name, Derryhick Sticks.