IT’S TRUE, we don’t make enough use of the River Barrow. Last Sunday proved that.
A collection of small businesses, crafts people, musicians, face painters, caterers and hoteliers got together with members of Carlow Farmers’ Market and put on a wonderful display of their goods along the new-look Barrow Track for A Taste of Carlow, while members new and old of Carlow Rowing Club held a regatta.
It was a wonderful afternoon – and better still, it didn’t cost those who turned up in their hundreds a penny. What more could you ask for?
Carlow Town Council also did their bit, ensuring the area and adjoining town park – where there was also a display of bouncy castles, slides and other amusements – looked its very best.
Anyone who frequents the farmers’ market at Potato Market on a Saturday would be familiar with the excellent standard of produce, but what most people found amazing was the range of other items on display.
To their credit, all those selling items along the Barrow Track on Sunday were very generous with their gifts to passers by.
All got a good taste of their goods, and prices for those who were purchasing were very competitive.
Then there were the unusual items, such as the snow shield which, if our last two winters are anything to go by, will be much in demand.
When the snow fell last year, I bet there wasn’t a householder in Ireland who didn’t wish they had their own mini-snow plough to help reduce the back-breaking task of clearing driveways and footpaths.
This clever little invention, which is simply an attachment onto the standard sack truck, does just that.
Marketed by a Carlow-based firm, which has the distribution rights for both Ireland and Britain, the snow shield simply fits onto the sack truck and the user just walks and pushes the plough – it couldn’t be simpler.
Carlowman Damien McGrath is the person behind the venture, but if you want to see the item in action, look it up on www.snowclear.ie.
If you happen to be travelling abroad and want to give someone a present from Carlow, I though the idea of having something like an image of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow Castle or Graigue Bridge engraved on slate very interesting. Again, you can find out more by logging on to www.lazernow.com.
I was fascinated by the quality of the reproductions and I am sure you will be, too.
Handcrafted items such as tote bags, baby bags or craft kits were also on display by Jodi May designs, but I do the person an injustice by just stating that. Again, you can get a better flavour of the range of items by logging on to jodimaydesigns,webs.com.
Another person making beautiful products was Ariane Tobin, but again, to truly appreciate the attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship, you should go online and check out www.metalatplay.com.
By highlighting these people, I hope the others who took the trouble to participate in the day will not take offence. All were worthy of a mention but I simply do not have the space to give all the praise they most certainly deserve.
Those responsible for this initiative are to be praised. We can all see the effects of the economic downturn but it was really heartwarming to see so many people using their skills and creativity to overcome these difficulties and carve out a niche for themselves in these difficult economic times.
What we need now is more of the same.
The organisers must be well pleased with the turnout and, hopefully, this will only be the first of many such events along the river in the months and years ahead.