Much has been documented about the role of ‘heroes’ in our lives in recent months, particularly in these unprecedented times. The role of healthcare workers has been particularly hailed but also those who had stood strong in the winds of uncertainty and grief.

Celebrating in his own way the role of ‘heroes’ is Castlerea Jeweller Michael Kenny, who together with local artist Susan Igoe, recently launched a range of ‘heroes jewellery’ marking the contribution of those unsung starlets among us.

Michael who has a jewellery business located on the Square in Castlerea decided to design and sell his new range after his own experience of the lockdown. And it all started with a fox, no less!

“During the lockdown, I spent a lot of time at home. It caused me to think a lot. Outside, there was a fox that used to visit the house, I began to feed him and now he’s something of a pet. It caused me to think about the simple things in life, the heroes among us and those who have helped us through these difficult times.

“Nature, like human nature, showed its best during the lockdown. I decided to do something that would honour not only the heroes in society but also the heroes in our own lives. I began to think of jewellery designs that people would like and would honour such heroes in our daily lives.”

Michael’s range of Heroes Jewellery has been designed to symbolise and recognise the compassion, care and courage of the heroes in everyone’s personal lives. For Michael, the jewellery is the perfect way to say thank you and create beautiful memories between giver and recipient.

This collection is an expression of gratitude to the heroes in our communities and Michael is making a donation from each sale to help the valuable work of the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation  (CMRF).

With the help of local artist Susan Igoe who lives in Ballindrimley, Michael began the process of designing the own custom based items: “I told Susan what I wanted and got the jewellery made in Italy, which has been stamped in Dublin Castle.”

The heroes’ range of jewellery features pendants, bracelets, chains and broaches in ten different varieties in silver and rose gold, all of which are sterling silver and gold plated. Prices range from €29 to €49 ensuring a special, yet value for money gift for the special person in one’s life.

Because the jewellery is made with carers in mind, Michael has donated some of the items to Aras Mhathair Pól in Castlerea and to the Western Alzheimers.

As the artist for the collection, Susan Igoe is delighted with the finished product. “Michael kind of knew what he wanted from the outset. He drew the designs on paper and I worked on them – it was my first time to design jewellery.

“It took a little while to come up with the finished design. I liked the idea from the outset, the concept of celebrating heroes in our own lives,”

Further details of the collection are available online at www.heroesjewellery.com