Biography
Petra O'Flaherty
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Petra O’ Flaherty is 24 years old and lives in Ballyknockan, in west Wicklow.
Ballyknockan is also known as the granite village or the skeleton of Dublin. The village exists purely from the stone it supplies and has employed many stone cutters since its existence!
The last family to quarry in Ballyknockan, the Mc Evoys, are still there and Petra's brother Killian served his time as an apprentice with them. Petra is currently an apprentice for her brothers company “O’ Flaherty Stone.”
She started her apprenticeship two years ago and got into the trade under the influence of her family. Petra and her brother Killian are eighth generation stone cutters and got the trade from their father. Being on jobs from a young age and their belief in her allowed Petra to feel confident enough to take on the craft.
Petra is currently in phase five and has one last off-site phase in Tralee. She already knows where she will be as Kerry ETB is the only place in Ireland that has a training centre for stone masonry and stone cutting.
The college has continuously looked after and supported not only Petra, but everyone from her phase and has made it possible for people to thrive.
As an apprentice Petra is thankful for those who have created such an inspiring environment to work in and continue to make a difference for those who want to follow the path they have created.
She hopes many people find out the versatility of stone masonry and stone cutting! This career suits you and your interests rather than you working to a jobs standards. Petra hopes one day to help those who take on the career and give them all the opportunities and experiences that she has gotten since starting her apprenticeship.