Dear Sir,
This note is inspired by Deirdre McQuillan’s piece concerning Donegal tweed, “Dream Weavers: Donegal Tweed Inspires Young Talent to Make New ‘Music’ In Cloth,” which was featured in the Fashion section on September 16th. The article transported me back to the summer of 1988 when I was preparing for my Leaving Certificate.
I had taken to studying in an office within my father’s garage. Coincidentally, the garage was adjacent to the workspace of a weaver contracted to Magee, operating out of Donegal town. The harmonious, rhythmic sounds generated by the weaving process had a calming effect, almost synonymous with a therapy session, and created an environment perfect for studying.
I vividly remember the distinctive noise of the loom – the regular clickety-clack throughout the day. The daily routine of the weaver became my routine: starting at 9am, having a tea break at 11am, lunch at 1pm, and wrapping up by 5pm, when a Magee van would arrive to collect the day’s output.
These recollections bring nothing but fond memories to mind.
Yours faithfully,
Bríd Miller
Roscommon.