Berney Bros win two craft awards

The Berney family and their team in the 132-years-old saddlery business are cock a hoop after winning two prestigious Arts Council prizes last week, writes Brian Byrne.

One of their famous handmade saddles won the leatherwork section of the Council's annual crafts awards, and then was given one of only two Awards of Excellence in the 2012 competition.

It's 20 years since the saddlery, one of the most respected across the Irish equine industry, entered the competition. Thomas Berney says it's a great boost to the company and a credit to the skills of the 10-strong workforce in the Kilcullen operation set up by his great-great grandfather Peter.

Berney Bros will be launching a new range of competition saddles at the RDS Horse Show this week, developed after consultation with some of the country's top competitive riders.

Pictured are Eamon Heavey, Louise Conway, Tom Berney, Jim Berney, Paschal Behan, Thomas Berney, and (separate picture) Jamie Berney.