Government ministers across several departments will take Irish wool products with them to various countries on St. Patrick’s Day to wear and gift to foreign dignitaries.
As part of an international campaign by the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC), several ministers will gift Irish-grown woolen blankets and scarves when they undertake the government’s annual international programme of trips abroad this time of year.
The IGWC was formed in April 2023 based on recommendations of a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine report titled Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products.
The IGWC said it has commissioned knitted white woollen throws and green scarves, using wool sourced from sheep farms on the island of Ireland.
These items will be presented and distributed by members of the IGWC to ministers this week ahead of their travels abroad on diplomatic missions.
The wool for these throws and scarves was spun by Donegal Yarns, Kilcar, Co. Donegal, knitted by Bonner of Ireland, Ardara, Co. Donegal, with the IGWC logo embroidery added by council member Alison Gault at the Belfast School of Art, Ulster University.
Ministers who will be bringing these products with them on their trips include:
- Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue (visiting Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan);
- Minister of State for land use and biodiversity Pippa Hackett (visiting Finland, Estonia, and Latvia);
- Minister of State for new market development Martin Heydon (visiting Germany);
- Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan (visiting Brazil);
- Minister of State for nature, heritage and electoral reform Malcolm Noonan (visiting Poland and Romania);
- Minister of State for public procurement, communications and circular economy Ossian Smyth (visiting South Korea);
- Minister of State for skills and further education Niall Collins (visiting the cities of Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the US).
As well as that, Fianna Fáil Seanad spokesperson for climate action, communication networks and transport Timmy Dooley will take part in this initiative as he visits US capital Washington D.C.
President Michael D. Higgins will also present Irish wool products to dignitaries that are visiting Ireland, while horse racing commentators Ruby Walsh and Kevin O’Ryan will wear the scarves during coverage of the Cheltenham Racing Festival.
Catherine Phibbs, interim chairperson of the IGWC, commented: “This is significant opportunity to showcase Irish grown wool to the world.
“Representatives of our state engage in an extensive international programme to promote Ireland and Irish interests and values around the world during St. Patrick’s Day week, and now Irish grown wool is a visible part of this year’s global story,” she added.