The recipients of this accolade touched the hearts of so many people at the Irish Made Awards 2024
When we think about the things we take for granted today simply to run our homes and daily lives – electricity, running water, etc. – it’s even more extraordinary to learn how people lived and worked in remote parts of Ireland as recently as fifty years ago.
The Inis Meáin Knitting Company was founded in 1976 by Tarlach de Blacam and Áine Ní Chonghaile on the second largest of the Aran Islands, thirty miles off the west coast of Ireland.
They had just moved to the island and were young and full of energy, excited about their future and keen to develop the community in their new home. With that in mind, they set up a small knitwear company, battling challenges like having no electricity or running water and having everything they made rowed to shore by currach.
A decade later, Tarlach bought out the equity in the company, convinced that if he devoted more time to it, the business could become a serious source of employment for inhabitants of the island and stem the flow of emigration.
Moving from a more tourist market to mainstream fashion stores around the world, they decided to harness the unique and indigenous heritage of the island to stand out from the crowd. Taking inspiration from early photographs of fishermen from the island, they kept their designs pared-back and restrained, something Tarlach says is ‘much appreciated by their clients’.
The Inis Meáin Knitwear Company designs are shown every year at the menswear trade shows in Florence – and have done for the last 30 years. Today, it makes contemporary Irish knitwear, menswear and womenswear that is stocked throughout Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and has even appeared in Vogue!
A lifetime commitment to Irish design
At the Irish Made Awards 2024, held in Killashee Hotel, Co Kildare on 4 October, both Tarlach and Áine were present to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Weir & Sons.
Tarlach spoke passionately about the importance of preserving the heritage and integrity of this industry, of keeping it at home, supporting the local economy of the island of Inis Meáin and his hope for the future of the business and growing importance of products that are ‘Irish Made’.
Following his speech, Áine took to the podium and delivered a few words ‘as Gaeilge’ to reflect their appreciation for being there and receiving the award.
The resilient island brand was a popular winner with many guests saying after the ceremony that the presentation and acceptance of this award was a highlight of the night for them!
Here’s a look at what life is like at the Inis Meáin Knitting Company after almost 50 years in business:
