Town aims to be antiques capital

A TOWN steeped in heritage aims to become the country’s antiques capital.

Doneraile, which already boasts a thriving antiques business, is set to host a course for up to 20 people in antique restoration.

The course, supported by Ballyhoura Development and Fás, will employ a co-ordinator as well as specialist tutors and will take place at the town’s former Presentation Convent Chapel, which has been leased by Doneraile Development Association (DAA).

“This is a real opportunity for Doneraile as employment creation is a key focus of our activities today,” Ballyhoura Development director Carmel Fox said.

“We are satisfied the community of Doneraile and its hinterland will prosper and continue to grow by way of increased employment as a result of the partnership approach adopted by DAA to promoting the heritage of the town.”

Doneraile’s first antique shop was opened by Aidan Foley in 1998. There are now three in the small town — The Munster House, Southgate Fine Art and The Painted Dresser — and business is booming.

Mr Foley, who is chairman of Doneraile Antique Dealers’ Association, said there is great demand for people skilled in furniture restoration to support these antique businesses and auctions.

“To have such skills available to us will greatly assist the expansion of the antique business in the town,” Mr Foley said

Doneraile already hosts antique auctions every six to eight weeks. The town recently exported containers of antiques to Philadelphia and New Zealand.

Mr Foley said negotiations are currently ongoing reg-arding the supply of antiques to a shop in Shanghai.

“We also are awaiting a world-renowned restorer of antique silver to open another shop on Doneraile’s Main Street before Christmas,” he said.