Susan O'Shea: Artists doing it themselves helping to revitalise Cork business life

Blackwater Valley Makers, which incorporates an arts centre and creative hub in Fermoy, was born from the necessity of providing a shopfront for the many artisans in the Fermoy district and was a very welcome event following some high-profile closures in the the town, writes Susan O’Shea.

Fermoy, Co Cork , like most provincial towns, has struggled over the last decade, with many businesses falling victim to first the recession, and then the lure of online shopping. In recent weeks the town was dealt another body blow with the closure of the landmark Grand Hotel.