Name: DONAL MOLONEY
County: KILDARE
Sport: HURLING
Business: Moloney Woodcraft
Moloney Woodcraft creates Handmade Wooden Crafts & Gifts. It was launched in March 2010 by Kildare Hurler Donal Moloney. . A carpenter/joiner by trade, he took the leap from a decent job with a regular wage into self-employment and became an entrepreneur instead.
Based in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, Moloney Woodcraft produces hand-made wooden letters, keepsake boxes, toy chests & children’s furniture. All products are handmade to order (they don’t start a piece until you contact them!). Their beautiful crafts are all made using top quality Scandinavian Pine and are painted using locally produced, water based acrylic resin paints which are completely child friendly.
Combining training, playing and running a business can be tough, but Donal is relishing his hectic lifestyle at the moment.
“I really love what I do. I think I’m really lucky to have a skill that enabled me to start my own business. Even though it is a tough business environment out there at the moment, I’m relishing taking on any challenges that come my way. Some nights when you come home from training, the last thing you want to do is go back to the workshop, or to sit in front of a computer going through orders, emails & invoices. But you have to do it. My customers don’t care that I play hurling in my spare time. If they order something and pay for it, I have to ensure it’s delivered on time.
I decided to start a business where I could be a bit more creative, & challenge myself. Having studied Art for years at school I wanted to fuse both my joinery & artistic skills. So crafting these personalised gifts seemed like a natural progression.”
So the business continues to grow today while still maintaining the ability to provide a friendly & personal service, ensuring each client’s specific needs are catered for.