Madam, - In your Weekend Review of February 24th Noeleen Dowling wrote about the Lace Ball, a big event in the Dublin social calendar in the early 1900s, and of how important lacemaking had been in the Famine days when it was often the sole means of livelihood for many a family.
The article was very interesting, but the ending was a little inaccurate. I am happy to tell you that the Guild of Irish Lacemakers is a very active (voluntary) body with a large, enthusiastic membership.
Classes in all the Irish laces are held regularly and we have excellent tutors, all experts in their craft. The aim of the guild is to safeguard our Irish lace heritage and to ensure that the craft will continue to flourish well into the future.
Anyone interested in learning to make the Irish laces should contact me at the address below (tel: 01 4508233/ 087 2211618) or visit the guild's website: www.irishlace.org. - Yours, etc,
IMELDA KELLEHER,
Honorary Secretary,
Guild of Irish Lacemakers,
Beechfield Close,
Walkinstown,
Dublin 12.