Basketmaker has heart & craft for old tradition

A 31-YEAR-OLD willow-weaving basketmaker in the west of Ireland says he feels a “responsibility” to keep aspects of the ancient tradition alive.

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

Huge willow rods to work with

Tom Delaney, who runs Ould Crafty, says basketmaking was his “first love” and he is delighted to now be selling his handmade work from a small home in Co Mayo all over the world.

The former archaeologist said evidence of the use of weaving techniques date back to ancient societies in Ireland.

He said evidence of weaving has been discovered on sites he worked on dating to the Iron Age, while there have been other examples of work thousands of years earlier in the Mesolithic era.

Mr Delaney started weaving when he was 26 and has been in business for four years.

“My grandfather and great-grandfather made baskets and it wasn't like it was a family business or anything, but my dad kept it alive just by talking about ithe never shut up about it. That's how I got the interest originally.”

He also learned from books and YouTube as well as other basketmakers around Ireland, including Ciaran Hogan in Connemara.

Now, from a cosy home near Mayo Abbey, Mr Delaney weaves baskets for fuel, eggs, bread, and babies as well as bird feeders and decorative items such as stars, St Brigid's Crosses and ornate skibs.

"What's nice is people haven't abandoned tradition - and they are a great conversation starter," he said.