A Crafty Christmas: Support local

Tarragh Donohoe is owner of the Craft Cabin and Hidden Treasures in Ballyconnell. The busy businesswoman is also chair of Ballyconnell Community Centre.

She spoke to the Celt with both hats on to say how great it is to see local people supporting local.

Tarragh had this simple Christmas message: “Thanks to everybody who volunteers and helps out at the community centre and in the community in general all year and huge thanks to everyone who shops local.

“Things like the Christmas market or the Social Club doesn’t just happen,” Tarragh continued, “it takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work from teams of willing people who do this work on behalf of their community.

“It’s the local businesses who give employment in the area and who support things like local sports clubs by say, sponsoring jerseys or a spot prize.

“So, I’d ask people, where possible, to shop local - from me, from your supermarket or coffee shop.”

In her Hidden Treasures shop, Tarragh has a selection of gift and homewares ideal for any time of the year but, especially at Christmas. Newgrange jewellery, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, handbags, perfumes are all there.

In the Craft Cabin crafters will find yarn, kids’ crafts, needlework essentials, fabric, paints, pencils and “all sorts of craft supplies!” for anyone who sews, knits or crochets or is creative in any way.

The cabin will start taking bookings for their 2026 workshops while they take bookings for Crafty Birthday Parties all year round.

“It’s lovely being part of the Ballyconnell community especially at this time of year; everyone is in such great form” Tarragh said. “I am always grateful to anyone who shops with us throughout the year, and I hope to see as many of them back through the doors in the new year.

“It’s great to be trading and in the centre of the Christmas cheer in Ballyconnell,” a busy but grateful Tarragh said.