There are omens and signs out there in the greater scheme of things and beyond the scope of our normal sense of understanding.
They’re the kind of tokens of assurance people involved in ventures and adventures often look for when embarking on their particular journeys.
Three local women, collectively known as The Mad Ones had the omens and the signs thrown into their laps at last week’s Castleisland Community College Fashion Show.
They were invited to show their wares on the ramp at the event. Naturally, they attended the show and they dressed each other from their new shop in The Latin Quarter.
Best Dressed Lady
One of them, Noreen Cronin, won the Best Dressed Lady prize on the night at the River Island Hotel. What’s that if not an omen – and they opening their first shop today!
Kate McSweeney, Tara Walmsley and the afore mentioned best dressed lady, Noreen Cronin open The Mad Ones shop today and you’ll find it between Vincent Murphy Sports and Brennan’s. An official opening will follow in the summer when they find their feet there.
“The Mad Ones originated as a past-time, pop-up shop last summer and, due to the amazing response, we have decided to set up a permanent home in The Latin Quarter in Killarney Road, Castleisland,” Kate McSweeney explained.
Hive of Positive Energy
“The Mad Ones project has been a hive of positive energy since it began and this was certainly to the fore last Saturday when there were 15 girls, The Mad Ones themselves plus close associates, planning, painting, wall papering, constructing and filling what was once an empty shell with palpable enthusiasm,” said Kate.
The name is inspired by the infamous Jack Kerouac quote: ‘the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars.’
Planning and Scheming
“One needs only to eavesdrop on any one of our several conversations on planning and scheming for the future to see how apt this particular quote is.
“There will be a distinct chilled out vibe at ‘The Mad Ones’ with records spinning and coffee brewing while shoppers browse through the collection of clothing. It will act as a place of conversation for like-minded people, acting as a hangout with discussions happening as clothes are tried on and put together in various ways.
“These pieces vary from one-off vintage items to new in vintage style, bohemian inspired clothes. The
Mad Ones aim to stand out from the crowd and bring out each person’s unique sense of style,” Kate concluded.
Began as a Hobby
For Tara, Kate and Noreen, this shop began as a hobby, where they got to spend time at something they are passionate about. They now hope that they can get lots more people to fall in love with the clothes that they wear everyday.
As well as that, if there are any specific pieces that you would like them to source they will do their best to find them!
The shop will be opened from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 6pm. Opening on this Wednesday, April 27th for the first time! The Motto: Make Every Outfit Count.
