The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-07-21
WORK OF NUNS.
Patriotism Of the Sisters is Giving
New Life to the Industries.
of Ireland.
HOW THEY ARE BUILT UP.

III w HL1 AnE DUlL1 VI,
establishments at Shbbereeh,
Cork, Queenstown, Gort, Kill.
kenny and Wexford.
Joseph A. Glynn has an interesting
article in the New Ireland Review on
Irish Convent Industries" He pays a
noble tribute to the heroism and patriot
ism of the good sisters who have done SO
much to improve the ir rdustrial condition
of Ireland. The writer first pictures the
prosperous condition of the country in
the early days before the oppressor's
yoke was felt. He then shows the pitt
able change which was brought about by
England's jealousy. He continues as
follows:
One is inclined to wonder that in the
quiet seclusion of our converts the move
ment for the revival of Irish Industries
should find it's most ardent supporters.
We had been accustomed to see in the
religious sisters the teachers of our little
ones, the comforters of the sick or the
afflicted. the angels of peace at the bed
side of the dying. But we could hardly
expect to see them in the forefront in the
endeavor to give employment to the girls
under their charge, and to stem the food
of emigration; to find them boldly enter
prising in the apparently forlorn task of
giving life to our dead industries. But
they have done. all this, and done it 80
successfully that their efforts and sacri-
fees have placed the nation under an
obligation which it ought not readily to
forget.
Since 1889 the Sisters of Mercy and
Sisters Of Charity, ETC., have established
industries at Sklbbereen, Cork, Queens
town, Gort County Galway, Kilkenny.
|(D, Wexford (2), stradbally county Wa
terford), Galway city, Carrickmacroes,
Foxford, Ballaghadereen and Tuan.
There had previously existed the famous
lace schools in Kenmare, Killarney and
Youghal and the good work was per-
fected and developed in these centres.
The Skibbereen convent was the first
to enter on the new path OF enterprise,
and We can now pronounce OF the result
of it's five years. working. In pamph-
lot published in May, 1893, by the Sis
ters OF Mercy, Skibbereen, I find most
interesting account Of the origin and pro-
cess Of the weaving industry since it's
commencement there. After q careful
examination Of the question, the nuns
came to the conclusion that linen and
cambric weaving would succeed ifstarted
in connection with their schools. Ac-
cordingly, with the assistance Of Most
Rev. DR.. Fitzgerald and Sir Thomas
Brady, they entered into communication
with the late Sir William Ewart of Bel
fast, to whom and to whose son, MIR.
LAWNS Ewatt, all our convent industries
owe deep debt Of gratitude. for gener-
Gus and enlightened assistance A trial
was made with two looms presented by
Sir William Ewart and warping mill pre-
sented by h1s son. A teacher was sent
from Belfast, and after the usual bitches
at the start, some linen was produced,
which Mr.. Ewart. pronounced of excel
lent quality.
The Skibbereen convent produces
woven medium and fine linens, sheet
ings, towels and towellinge, dress lawns,
handkerchiefs, tape borders, etc. The
total putout up to May, 1893, was 400
handkerohiefs, 250 dozen towels, 2,4O0
yards Of linen, 6,0O0 yards Of lawn, ETC.
Truly most excellent result for thirty
or forty girls to achieve, who before 1899
had never seen loom, OF the quality
Of their work I can speak from expert
enoe; some Of their finest cambria hand
kerchiefs which were sent me. with the
initials embroidered, could not possibly
be excelled for style or finish.
The example Of Skibbereen was conta-
gious, and many converts followed suit.
1 can speak with confidence OF the in
dustries at the Convent Of Mercy, Gort,
county Galway, as have the honor Of
being secretary to the industries commit
tee since April, 1893. In October, 1890,
two of the Gort Sisters visited Skibber-
| een and obtained full particulars Of the
work done there. Unfortunately, so far
as capital was concerned, they had abso-
llutely none to start with. Eight looms
we're presented, but beyond few pounds
got together by various means they were
without further help. Notwithstanding
lthis most serious drawback they have
been working and teaching since May,
lls91. Owing, however, to the want Of 9
few hundred pounds g keep the looms
oonstantly supplied with yarn, the pro.
lnokers of thiis ins1uatr are unable Slto
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