Talented teen crafts a growing business
Fair runs from Nov 27 to Dec 2
AN ATHENRY teenager is preparing to bring his impressive handcrafted Christmas crafts to this year’s Local Food and Craft Gift Fair at the Black Box Theatre in Galway.
Seventeen-year-old Cormac Monahan will display a range of festive gifts, along with some beautiful custom-made garden and patio planters, at the fair to be held on Monday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 2.
A fifth year student at Presentation College Athenry, Cormac established his business, Esker Timber Creations, in 2023 and got involved with the Student National Enterprise Programme through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Galway.
With encouragement from his Business Studies teachers, Monica Moroney and Margaret Brennan, and support from LEO Galway, he went on to win the Sustainability Award and the Overall Intermediate Award at the National Student Enterprise Programme 2024.
Cormac has continued to foster his creativity and has been making bespoke handcrafted timber planters and containers for homes and gardens, along with seasonal crafts during Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
“It all started when I was in Junior Cert and my granny wanted to do some work in her garden. My dad had a few pallets at home that he was throwing out, so I decided I’d try to make a garden planter for her.
“I couldn’t believe the response she got and lots of people started to ask if I would make more. That’s where it all began, and when one of my teachers mentioned the Student Enterprise Programme, I decided to get involved,” recalled Cormac.
Through the programme, Cormac embraced the idea of setting up his own business – from coming up with a name, to developing a website and other marketing materials, and then to bringing his products to market.
The planters quickly became his staple offerings, and the ambitious teenager began to take specific orders for bespoke animal and farm themed pieces.
“I started to go to some local markets and people would ask if I could create a planter of a favourite animal or pet.
“Of course, sometimes people will ask for just a standard planter, but I always wanted to make sure my offering was different – something you couldn’t just pick up in a regular store,” he reasoned.
As well as the planters, Cormac regularly receives orders for other bespoke pieces and has created some fabulous sand and water tables for children, as well as garden seats, animal compounds, and other garden attractions.
“For the outdoor pieces, I use pressure-treated timber, and they get a minimum of three coats of paint. I’ve also used the income to invest in my tools so I am now using the best and most reliable tools on the market,” he said.
On December 1 and 2, Cormac will bring a range of his Christmas products to the Galway food and craft fair.
“I have all sorts of Christmas pieces ready for the Fair, some for indoors and others that have been developed to withstand the elements,” he assured.
From Santa and Mrs Claus figures to elves and gingerbread men, and from stockings and toy sacks to penguins and lots more, there will be much to choose from at the Esker Timber Creations stall.
The Local Food and Craft Gift Fair will run in the Black Box Theatre for six days, beginning on Thursday, November 27 to Tuesday, December 2.