Ireland's first qualified cooper in 30 years hails 'dream job'

New life has been breathed into the art of barrel-making after the graduation of the first qualified cooper in Ireland in more than 30 years.

Chris Kane, from Co Antrim, is a fourth-generation cooper, entering the industry after his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

His qualification from the National Cooperage Federation comes after four years of training in the traditional craft, using the same tools his great-grandfather Jimmy Kane used more than 80 years ago.

He first attempted coopering at the age of nine with his father Alastair, and the pair now work side by side at the Old Bushmills Distillery in north Antrim - like his relatives before him.

He said: "It might not be an obvious career choice but coopering has been a part of my life since I was a young guy.

"When the apprenticeship opportunity came up four years ago, I left what was probably deemed a good sensible job to follow what has always been my real passion.

"The wood, barrels, tools and craft, along with the opportunity to work with my dad each day, have given me the chance to contribute to the Bushmills Irish Whiskey story. It's a dream job."

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said: "We are delighted to share in Chris's success as he becomes a fully-fledged cooper today.

"His family has been an integral part of Bushmills' legacy for the past 140 years.

"He is a true artist, born to his craft, as the skill and attention that is required to cooper is nothing short of spectacular."