Probably built in the early 19th Century, the small stone walled lodge with diamond shaped window panes, is situated in Emo Village at the entrance to Emo Park Wood in County Laois. This entrance also leads to Emo Court House and Gardens, now under the care of Dúchas.

For the last 50 years or so, the lodge served as a tool store, eating place and shelter for the forest staff. Late in 1998 to early 1999, it suffered from repeated vandalism, resulting in the roof, windows and doors (which were already frail) being damaged beyond repair. With the winter winds and rain blowing through, it presented a depressing spectacle.

With a much-declined usage as a store and shelter, significant expenditure on renovation was posing a difficult challenge. Yet because of its lovely setting and long history, it was an important feature of the village. Just as this despairing prospect was fully dawning, the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) approached Coillte. Having shared her concerns about the future of the lodge, the Guilds then president, the late Paula Treacy, put a very ambitious proposal to us. She and her members were hoping that it might be possible to restore the lodge as a craft shop to cater for many people who use the woods for strolling and to attract passing visitors to Emo Court, House and Gardens. If Coillte and the ICA could collaborate on a feasible project, outside funding might be available.

Coillte's input, together with great ingenuity and work by the ICA, and very strong backing from EU LEADER Funding, the lodge was restored - diamond-paned windows and all - to its former dignity. In the odd way that fate shapes affairs, the vandals had set in train a course of events that ensured a secure future for the Lodge, which otherwise would have been uncertain.

Today, the craft shop is flourishing. Selling mainly local products, and operated by local voluntary effort, the venture is a particularly fitting and welcome way for Coillte and the Community to collaborate for mutual benefit. If you are ever passing by, you should call in. I think you won't be disappointed.

The achievement is a source of pride locally for the whole community - a poem, or part of a poem by Robert Southey comes to mind:

"He passes a Cottage with a double coach House
A cottage of gentility!
And he owned with a grin
That his favourite sin
Is pride that apes humility."

While the ostentation of adding a coach house was avoided, pride, probably at a sinful level, and without even contrived humility, is difficult to resist when passing the Emo Gate Lodge Craft shop.

The late Paula Treacy was the inspiration and the energy source of the project. A plaque to her memory was erected in the lodge to coincide with the opening in May 2000.