I have been working with stained glass for approximately 30 years. What began as a personal hobby eventually grew into a full-time profession. Stained glass craftsmanship runs in my family, as I inherited my grandfather's glass cutter, which featured a diamond head used for scoring glass before breaking it. Today, the tools have evolved, and I now use a hard carbon wheel, which is much more efficient and easier to handle.
Throughout my career, I have completed a wide range of projects, including work for churches, public and private residences, hotels, as well as numerous repair jobs on lamps, windows, and other items. Some of my more notable pieces can be seen in St. Oliver’s Church in Clonmel, including the main altar screen.
I recall speaking with the architect, Paddy Reeves, from MJ Anthony & Associates in Carrick-on-Suir, about the design for St. Oliver’s Church. I inquired whether he wanted St. Oliver depicted in one of the windows, but he explained that it wasn’t that type of church, with ornate or decorative windows. Instead, it would feature a modern design, with cushioned seating throughout, and its flexibility would even allow for hosting other events like a disco if there were no altar or pews.
Once the glass was chosen, I began the work by first taking precise measurements from the altar screen. After that, I sketched the design sections directly on the floor to get an accurate sense of the sizes and proportions.
