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"Belfast Honors Irish Craftsmanship: Ardagh Chalice Replica Awarded in 1912 Irish Manufacture Challenge Cup" | Limerick Archives

“Belfast Honors Irish Craftsmanship: Ardagh Chalice Replica Awarded in 1912 Irish Manufacture Challenge Cup”

This celebration of Irish craftsmanship reached its pinnacle as the Belfast Industrial Development Association bestowed the prestigious Irish Manufacture Challenge Cup upon the worthy winners of the 1912 contest. Crafted with meticulous precision by the esteemed Belfast Silversmiths, Messrs. Sharman D. Neill, Ltd., this cup now proudly stands as a symbol of excellence, showcasing the best in Irish-made goods.

The origins of this celebration trace back to the discovery of the original Ardagh Chalice, a magnificent exemplar of Celtic ornamentation dating back to the tenth century. Unearthed near the village of Ardagh in County Limerick in September 1868, this splendid artefact offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Buried, perhaps deliberately, to protect it from the marauding Danish forces that troubled Ireland during that era. The Ardagh Chalice boasts dimensions of 7 inches in diameter across the mouth, or 9.5 inches when including the handles, and stands at an impressive 7 inches tall. Its surface is adorned with intricate Celtic interlaced ornamentation, raised bosses, and early Christian symbols, showcasing the skill and artistry of its creators.

The Irish Manufacture Challenge Cup, an exact replica of the Ardagh Chalice, stands as a testament to the dedication to promoting Irish-made products. This distinguished cup was generously presented by “The Lady of the House,” representing the Home Journal of Ireland, in collabouration with the Belfast Industrial Development Association. The competition tasked Belfast’s business establishments with adorning their shop windows with a captivating display of Irish-manufactured goods. The judging process, overseen by the Lady Mayoress of Belfast and the Ladies’ Committee of the Belfast Industrial Development Association, ensured that the award was granted to those who best exemplified a commitment to showcasing Ireland’s manufacturing prowess.

The collabouration between “The Lady of the House” and the Belfast Industrial Development Association highlights a concerted effort to elevate and celebrate the nation’s rich heritage of craftsmanship. The cup, standing as a tangible tribute to this commitment, serves as a perpetual reminder of the importance of promoting and preserving Irish-made goods.

In an era where globalization often overshadows local craftsmanship, initiatives like the Irish Manufacture Challenge Cup contribute significantly to the resilience and continuity of Ireland’s cultural legacy. As businesses in Belfast adorned their shop windows with locally crafted treasures, the competition not only celebrated the winners but also underscored the collective commitment to upholding the tradition of Irish craftsmanship.

Lady of the House – Thursday 15 August 1912

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