Tipperary Farmer’s Success Story Showcased At Major Craft Fair

A Tipperary artisan farmer will showcase Munster’s first cold-pressed rapeseed oil at the biggest-ever City Hall Crafts and Design Fair in Cork from November 24-26.

With 85 exhibitors, this year’s fair promises to be a bumper celebration of an event that traditionally heralds the start of the Christmas season in Cork, offering a unique chance to pick up individual and original Christmas gift ideas.

Michael Corbett from Cashel with his Emerald Oils range which will be showcased at the biggest-ever City Hall Crafts and Design Fair in Cork from November 24-26.

City Hall Crafts and Design Fair is a celebration of the best Irish designers and makers from fashion to jewellery and beyond – with thousands of items that can only be found in Cork.

There will also be a Spectacular Christmas Food Emporium which will feature over 25 local artisan food producers, taste-tempting visitors with the best of the season’s fare.

One of the stars at the Emporium will be Michael Corbett from Cashel, a third-generation tillage farmer who has diversified to become the region’s first rapeseed oil producer with his Emerald Oils range.

“I decided that if I’m going to go this, I’m going to do it all so I produce and press the seeds and bottle the oil all on the farm. It’s completely soil to oil,” said Michael, who will also be showcasing his products at Gifted Contemporary Craft and Design Fair at the RDS from Dec 5-10.

“The award-winning oil varies from region to region, rather like wine and my oil is a lighter tasting oil that’s suitable for stir-frying, deep frying, roasting, baking, salad dressings and marinating.

“I travelled to England and Germany to research production and machinery before I started and thankfully it’s paying off as the feedback we are getting is fantastic.”

Other Tipperary producers at the fair will be Florrie Purcell from The Scullery and Christina Keogh who will be showcasing her jewellery.

Over €150,000 per day will be spent at the biggest crafts fair outside Dublin, and fairgoers in search of an original Christmas idea can be guaranteed a haven of quality wares both for gifts and the home this festival season.

“The City Hall Crafts and Design Fair gives people the ideal chance to secure original and unique Christmas presents in a wonderful setting,” said Festival organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.

“Shoppers will find a wide range of crafts, artisan-made goods, food and drink, designer handcrafted outfits and accessories at the Fair.

“This year we have a lot of new content with many first-time exhibitors showcasing the best of new crafts and food from around the country.”

The 26th City Hall Crafts and Design Fair takes place at the City Hall, Cork from November 24-26. Full details and booking can be found at www.cityhallcraftsfair.ie.