Kathleen and John Irwin’s small farm has never been a traditional one. The Co Laois couple produce one of the most important health food products in the country: flaxseed.
“We both come from farming backgrounds. I grew up on a farm that was once a flax mill where the stem of the flax plant was made into linen cloth,” says Kathleen.
“When we got married, my husband had some land and we decided to turn it organic and started to grow flaxseed.
“We also grow a small amount of oats, mainly for our own use.”
Kathleen and John also ran a water bottling business from the farm for 20 years, using water from their spring.
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Showcase, which traditionally takes place in the RDS each year, is a huge opportunity for small Irish companies to meet global buyers for their products. As with so many things this year, COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the physical event from taking place, but two local businesses are ready for the challenge of showcasing virtually.
Louth is well represented at Showcase, Ireland s annual Creative Expo which traditionally takes place in the RDS each year. Lasting four days, it is a huge opportunity for small Irish companies to meet global buyers for their products. As with so many things this year, COVID-19 restrictions have prevented the physical event from taking place but it is going ahead this week as a fully virtual event.
Established local craft makers such as Garrett Mallon Jewellery, Sarah McKenna Ceramics, Celtic Valley Pottery, Martina Scott, and Soilse Candles are among the hundreds of exhibitors from around the country who are exhibiting once again.
Businesses in Laois and Offaly which have had to reconfigure to trading online received substantial funding to help them refocus toward digital trading during 2.