Bringing a centuries-old craft back to life in County Tyrone

Northern Ireland is reviving a centuries-old skill.
County Tyrone's crystal-cutting and glass-cutting was once world-famous. The craft dates back to 1771.

It wasn't until 1971, when Tyrone Crystal was established that glass and crystal products could be shipped around the globe.

The founder of the company was Fr Austin Eustace, a Catholic priest who was both a nuclear physicist and an expert in glass production.

The business was started by him to address the growing unemployment in the region at that time.

Crystal became a popular choice for retirement and wedding gifts in the 1970s, and 1980s. The Dungannon-based company was a huge success.

The company suffered a slump as the demand for its products fell. In 2010, Tyrone Crystal closed its factory, which saw the glass-cutting craft disappear completely from the county.

Today, more than a decade after the original attempt, new efforts are being made to keep these skills alive.

To help train the next generation in glass and crystal crafts, a community-based glassworks was established.

Tyrone Crafted Glass is made up of former Tyrone Crystal employees and master glass-cutters.

It was supported by the Lough Neagh Partnership and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as Mid Ulster District Council.

Video journalist: Niall McCracken