Liam Tilly always puts on a brilliant show at Christmas, but he has surpassed himself this year! He is pictured above with Dean Tillly, Sarah Tilly, Hannah Tilly, Fiona O’Sullivan and Hannah O’Sullivan. Every year Liam has a collection drum for the charity of his choice, so be sure to contribute and acknowledge his labour of love.

BUOY, OH BUOY... AT THE NATIONAL CRAFT FAIR
One of the more unusual exhibitors at this year’s National Crafts and Design Fair is Noel Donnelly and his ‘Buoy oh Buoy’ range of marine-themed lighting products. Noel, from Caherdaniel in South Kerry, is an electrician by trade and also a keen fisherman.

His unique idea was inspired by the beautiful waters in which he fished as a boy. He has created a range of lighting products made from deep-sea trawler buoys that have been washing up on our shores for over half a century.

The buoys are polished, drilled and a light is fitted into them. Each buoy has its own unique character, coming from different countries: France, Spain, Portugal and England mostly, although Russian and Japanese buoys have also been transformed.

Unique markings signify country of origin, but the length of time they spend in the water and the amount of bashing they receive also contribute to the character of the end product.

Popular for both indoor feature lighting and outdoor/ patio lighting, of course they are both rust and waterproof. Noel’s unique nautical lighting can be seen at stand A32 of the National Craft and Design Fair in the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

Over 500 designers, artists and craftspeople will be exhibiting in the RDS from Wednesday 3rd December to Sunday 7th December. For the first three days, opening times are 10am to 10pm, with Saturday and Sunday opening from 10am to 7pm. Admission is €10 or €7 concession. Contact Details: www.buoyohbuoy.com e-mail: buoyohbuoy@gmail.com.