Robert Maher and James McCormack
JR Crafts
Dublin, Ireland

"We selected this business because we both have a keen interest in crafts and are skilled at making the products."

Robert Maher and James McCormack are NFTE students at Bonnybrook Youthreach in the Coolock area of Dublin. Youthreach is an education and training program for early school leavers in Ireland. Robert and James started their business at the center in 2006.

As JR Crafts, they manufacture and sell decorative mirrors using stained glass and acid. They also make a range of leather products such as key rings, wallets and belts. Robert focuses on the mirrors and glass work while James makes the leather products. Both are equally responsible for the financial side of the business.

Both young men had dropped out of school and are from Coolock, where alcohol and substance abuse “are the order of the day,” they say. They each made a conscious decision to return to education by coming to Youthreach. Robert and James were selected to take part in the NFTE program and were mentored by partners and staff from McCann FitzGerald, a prestigious law firm in Dublin.

Robert and James recognize the help and inspiration they received, and say they would like to be role models for other young people in their community.