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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Mayo architects who designed new €10m Kylemore Abbey monastery win major award
Axo Architects, who designed the €10 million Benedictine Monastery at Kylemore Abbey, came ahead of 47 other designs to win the much sought-after award. Located by Pollacappul Lough, beneath Duchruach Mountain and near the historic Kylemore Abbey in west Connemera, County Galway, the new monastery evolves from a central garth and cloister, unfolding into a series of brick volumes of varying height and scale. 'The result is a serene and timeless structure that quietly complements its landscape through sensitive consideration of context, scale, materiality, and visual harmony,' read a citation from the RIAI. Headed by Westport native Michael Horan, Axo Architects also designed the Kylemore Interpretation project, which was constructed by Galway-based firm, Carey Building Contractors. This saw the interior of the abbey redesigned and landscaping works undertaken outside building to enhance the visitor experience. 'We wanted the building, when we designed it, to be understated, to takes its rightful place in the estate but without dominating and without wanting to be brash,' Mr Horan told the Irish Independent shortly after the monastery was named winner of the RIAI Public Choice Award. A community of 15 Benedictine nuns moved into the new monastery at Kylemore Abbey last year, more than 350 years after their order was founded in the Belgium town of Ypres, where the nuns were known as 'the Irish Dames'. Today, Kylemore Abbey is one of the top visitor attractions in Connemara. Located 15.5 kilometres from Leenane in County Mayo, the abbey draws an estimated 500,000 visitors to the region annually and employs up to 150 people at the peak of the tourist season. Built as a castle in 1871 by English industrialist and MP for County Galway, Mitchell Henry, the Benedictine nuns moved into the building in 1920 after fleeing from Belgium to Connemara during the First World War. Three years later, they founded the renowned Kylemore Abbey all-girls boarding school, which closed in 2010. Their new home, which is one of the only working monasteries left in the country, was designed to keep the nuns at the centre of Kylemore Abbey while affording them privacy and silence. Previous the nuns lived in a farmhouse where the nuns were 'living on top of each other' and unable to have processions. Their new monastery was officially opened and blessed last year by Archbishop Francis Duffy, who described it as 'very rare event in Ireland and perhaps in western Europe'. The monastery was built with the same type of pale-coloured bricks used to construct the mausoleum at Kylemore. It is the final resting place of Mitchell Henry's wife, Margaret, who died on a family holiday to Egypt in 1874. Describing the RIAI Public Choice Award as a 'huge' achievement, Michael Horan thanked all those who voted for the new monastery and all his staff, both past and present, for their work on the project. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant finished in second place in the RIAI Public Choice Awards, which saw approximately 14,000 votes cast by the public. The 12-classroom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd in Culleens, Ballina, designed by Simon J Kelly Architects, secured third place while the Dún Laoghaire Baths finished fourth. RIAI President, Seán Mahon FRIAI, said: 'This year's Public Choice Award winner is a remarkable example of how thoughtful, context-sensitive architecture can enhance both place and purpose. The new monastery at Kylemore Abbey demonstrates a deep understanding of heritage, landscape, and community, creating a space that feels both grounded in tradition and relevant to the present. We are thrilled to see the public recognise and celebrate architecture that enriches lives and contributes meaningfully to a much-loved natural landscape and environment.' This year, the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards received 124 entries, with 48 projects shortlisted for the Public Choice Award — 21 from Dublin, 20 from regional Ireland, and six international projects by Irish architects. The RIAI Irish Architecture Awards will take place tomorrow evening at the Merrion Cricket Pavilion – itself an award-winning building by TAKA Architects – where the full list of winners across all categories will be announced.
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dromahair couple bitten by the writing bug publish a book each
Dromahair couple publish a book each containing life stories, poems and paintings Sligo Champion Today at 05:51 A husband and wife have just published a book each after getting support from an online writing group. The publications by Mary and John Hodson of Dromahair, Co Leitrim are the culmination of several years of creative development which were supported by Write-on, an online Galway-based writing group which grew during Covid.
Irish Independent
08-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Irish agritech firms get ready to shine at New Zealand Fieldays showcase
In the effort by entrepreneurs to develop solutions to address these challenges, product and technology innovations born in Ireland are finding a receptive market in New Zealand. From June 11-14, six leading Irish agritech and machinery companies will join Enterprise Ireland at New Zealand National Fieldays in the Waikato, New Zealand's largest dairy region. With over 100,000 people expected to attend over four days, Fieldays is the biggest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere and a key opportunity for Irish firms to connect with Kiwi farmers and agribusinesses. Robust agri-machinery designed and manufactured in Ireland supporting pastoral farming processes is well-suited for New Zealand conditions and has built a strong reputation in the market. Among the companies exhibiting on the Ireland stand are Abbey Machinery and AgriSpread. Abbey slurry tankers and diet feeders, and AgriSpread fertiliser and lime spreaders can be seen in fields across New Zealand's north and south islands. With New Zealand's focus on dairy, another strength of Irish firms is in dairy tech. The west of Ireland will be well represented in this area with Kerry's Dairymaster displaying its range of milking equipment and parlour technology, and Galway-based JFC Agri bringing its award-winning Evolution automatic calf feeder to the show after launching the product in New Zealand at the show last year. Also from the West, Clare-headquartered Forcefield will be exhibiting at Fieldays for the first time, bringing its range of electric fencing energisers, testers and accessories. Fieldays also attracts attendees from other industrial sectors, and joining their Tipperary neighbours Abbey Machinery is Revive Environmental International, manufacturers of sustainable sewer- cleaning trucks for the water, wastewater and underground infrastructure sectors. Aside from the Ireland stand, other Irish companies exhibiting at the show include StrongBó Agritech and Glen Dimplex, and a number of brands will be represented by their local distributors, including McHale, Keenan, Hi-Spec, Major Equipment, Malone Farm Machinery, ProDig Attachments, Tanco, Dromone Engineering and Portwest. Enterprise Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland will kick off the week with an Irish Agribusiness Dinner, showcasing the Irish firms attending Fieldays and strengthening links with New Zealand agribusiness and industry leaders, the Irish diaspora working in the primary sector in New Zealand as well as government officials and diplomats. Local market conditions are expected to bring an air of positivity to this year's show, with record farmgate milk prices currently being paid to New Zealand dairy farmers by Fonterra and other processors. If you are an Irish agritech firm interested in attending Fieldays in 2026, or in exporting to Australia or New Zealand, contact EI's in-market team.
Sunday World
07-06-2025
- Sunday World
Kevin Kelly (31), who died in house fire with Sunny Jacobs, was a ‘free spirit', funeral told
RIP | Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was a 'free spirit' who 'loved life' and 'would do anything he could for anybody'. Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. He cared for Ms Jacobs in a home-help capacity. She had been living in Ireland since the late 1990s, having spent 17 years in a Florida prison, including five on death row, for the murder of two police officers. She was released from custody in 1992 after her convictions on two counts of murder and one of kidnapping were overturned after procedural errors were identified. All those attending Mr Kelly's funeral mass at Discovery Church in Galway this afternoon were asked to wear bright colours to represent the 'fun, laughter and personality' of the Connemara native. The large numbers gathered were described as a 'testament' to Mr Kelly's character and friendship. A poem dedicated to Mr Kelly, written by family friend Sam Nolan, paid tribute to his 'cheeky smile and positive attitude'. "Kevin met every day. No matter what was on his mind, he was always the same way. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved life, what more can we say.' His younger sister Jill told those gathered how Mr Kelly "loved to laugh' and 'loved fun' throughout his life, describing his love for Connemara, for dogs and the lengths he would go to help others. Kevin Kelly News in 90 Seconds - 7th June 'Kev was born 31 years ago on December 28 – 14 days after he was due – and he's been doing things his own way ever since. He was a free spirit and wasn't one bit shy about standing up for what he believed and not doing things just to follow the crowd,' she said. Mr Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to Inishmore at the age of four, a move which 'started his love for the tranquil life, surrounded by the beauty of Connemara'. He would often 'disappear' on a mountain walk with his dog Mollie 'and whichever other dogs he had taken under his wing'. 'When we lived on Inishmore, Kev had a bad encounter with a dog and was bitten in the face… but he loved dogs,' she said. "That's one thing we can all learn from Kevin, the ability to let go and move on. Kev never took life too seriously and was quick to forgive and, for the most part, forget – but you wouldn't fool him twice, he was much too smart for that.' He had a 'protective streak' for his sisters as he had 'such a big heart for all those he loved'. Mr Kelly left school before completing his Leaving Cert and after 'a little big of wandering' found the Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity Madra. 'It was love at first sight in more ways than one. Kevin's time at Madra completely changed his life. It was where his love of dogs was truly discovered,' she said. It was also where he met his partner Sheree, with his sister describing the couple as "made for each other'. "We've all lost someone today, a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, a rock. He was so many things to so many people and we always will share that grief,' she added. "If you find yourself missing Kev – as I'm sure you will – in the coming days, weeks, months and years. Here are some things you can do to feel close to him: Take a trip to Connemara, find a hill and climb it. "While you're there, go on over to Madra and volunteer to walk some dogs and walk the same route that Kev walked day in, day out, for years.' Mourners were also told to take pictures and 'capture your moments with your loved ones' as Mr Kelly was described as someone who would 'go above and beyond' for those in his life and would 'do anything he could for anybody'. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was 'a joy and a gift to our lives', with a collection of photographs of Mr Kelly and his friends, family and dogs shared during the service. Mr Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with Madra from the age of nineteen, with the charity this week describing his love of dogs and his beloved pitbull Mollie as a 'huge driving force for him'. He has been remembered for his 'big smile and kindness' and as someone who was 'absolutely magical' with dogs. He will be 'lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevin's partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cúán, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose, nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours,' his death notice read.
Irish Independent
07-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Funeral of Kevin Kelly (31) who died in house fire with Sunny Jacobs hears how he would ‘go above and beyond for other'
Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was a 'free spirit' who 'loved life' and 'would do anything he could for anybody'. Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. He cared for Ms Jacobs in a home-help capacity. She had been living in Ireland since the late 1990s, having spent 17 years in a Florida prison, including five on death row, for the murder of two police officers. She was released from custody in 1992 after her convictions on two counts of murder and one of kidnapping were overturned after procedural errors were identified. All those attending Mr Kelly's funeral mass at Discovery Church in Galway this afternoon were asked to wear bright colours to represent the 'fun, laughter and personality' of the Connemara native. The large numbers gathered were described as a 'testament' to Mr Kelly's character and friendship. A poem dedicated to Mr Kelly, written by family friend Sam Nolan, paid tribute to his 'cheeky smile and positive attitude'. "Kevin met every day. No matter what was on his mind, he was always the same way. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved life, what more can we say.' His younger sister Jill told those gathered how Mr Kelly "loved to laugh' and 'loved fun' throughout his life, describing his love for Connemara, for dogs and the lengths he would go to help others. 'Kev was born 31 years ago on December 28 – 14 days after he was due – and he's been doing things his own way ever since. He was a free spirit and wasn't one bit shy about standing up for what he believed and not doing things just to follow the crowd,' she said. Mr Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to Inishmore at the age of four, a move which 'started his love for the tranquil life, surrounded by the beauty of Connemara'. He would often 'disappear' on a mountain walk with his dog Mollie 'and whichever other dogs he had taken under his wing'. 'When we lived on Inishmore, Kev had a bad encounter with a dog and was bitten in the face… but he loved dogs,' she said. "That's one thing we can all learn from Kevin, the ability to let go and move on. Kev never took life too seriously and was quick to forgive and, for the most part, forget – but you wouldn't fool him twice, he was much too smart for that.' He had a 'protective streak' for his sisters as he had 'such a big heart for all those he loved'. Mr Kelly left school before completing his Leaving Cert and after 'a little big of wandering' found the Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity Madra. 'It was love at first sight in more ways than one. Kevin's time at Madra completely changed his life. It was where his love of dogs was truly discovered,' she said. It was also where he met his partner Sheree, with his sister describing the couple as "made for each other'. "We've all lost someone today, a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, a rock. He was so many things to so many people and we always will share that grief,' she added. "If you find yourself missing Kev – as I'm sure you will – in the coming days, weeks, months and years. Here are some things you can do to feel close to him: Take a trip to Connemara, find a hill and climb it. "While you're there, go on over to Madra and volunteer to walk some dogs and walk the same route that Kev walked day in, day out, for years.' Mourners were also told to take pictures and 'capture your moments with your loved ones' as Mr Kelly was described as someone who would 'go above and beyond' for those in his life and would 'do anything he could for anybody'. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was 'a joy and a gift to our lives', with a collection of photographs of Mr Kelly and his friends, family and dogs shared during the service. Mr Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with Madra from the age of nineteen, with the charity this week describing his love of dogs and his beloved pitbull Mollie as a 'huge driving force for him'. He has been remembered for his 'big smile and kindness' and as someone who was 'absolutely magical' with dogs. He will be 'lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevin's partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cúán, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose, nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours,' his death notice read.
