'Spring into action'- A day in the life of an Irish Jewellery Designer
April has greeted us with some much needed sunshine. The garden is blooming, the studio is busy, and the days are getting longer. It can only get better from here on in.
It's Easter weekend, which means plenty of rest, tending to the garden, and of course chocolate eggs! I remember when I was a child, Easter was such a big celebration; few days off school, plenty of mass services, and a row of Easter eggs and movies to enjoy. Today, it's a more relaxed affair, and the row of eggs has been replaced by a couple at the very most. Today, I take you on a walk around the farm with Mr Pup, some chats with the cows, enjoy a delightful display of spring flowers, and spend some time with me in the studio making little treasures. In the afternoon let’s go for a wander and a spot of lunch at my old favourite; Florence Court estate.
I have always felt an affinity to this place, something so familiar and comforting that I just couldn't understand. I've been recently doing some family history research and while investigating the origins of my surname, I stumbled upon a surprise. Corcoran was originally a prominent ecclesiastical name originating from the vicinity of Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh. It began as the clan; Ó Corcráin, and is derived from the Gaelic word for purple 'Corcair'. While searching historical maps of Irish names, I discovered that the Corcorans occupied an area where Florence Court stands today. They were long gone before the estate was established in the 18th century, as the Ulster Plantations and subsequent Cromwellian invasion had forced the majority of the native Irish clans to the south of Ireland.
It completely fascinated me, to think that innate connection is still there, passed down through hundreds of generations through shared DNA. A unique and intriguing fingerprint to the ancient past. Hope you enjoy a day in my life.
~ Gillian x
Spring bouquets from the garden
The ‘mystery red tulips’ blooming in the cottage garden.
As you can see from this ancient map, the Corcoran name appears to be in the same vicinity as the current Florence Court estate.
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