Athlone hairstylist takes key industry role
It's been a hectic time for Mary Duffy from Athlone who recently won an Outstanding Achievement award from OMC Hairworld, the largest professional hairstylists organisation in the world, and was also elected to be the new President of the Hairdressing Council of Ireland.
Mary owns her own salon in Thurles and previously owned Mary Duffy Hair on Sean Costello St in Athlone.
Speaking about her new position as President of the Hairdressing Council, Mary said: “I'm both excited and nervous which is to be expected. It's something new. There are challenges ahead of us in terms of the electricity crisis. There's a lot to work on in the industry.”
"We represent the totality of the industry. We go to government and speak for all hairdressers," added Mary.
Mary elaborated that hairdressers have no choice but to use electricity as they need water, boilers and hairdryers in use all the time.
“Salons are worried about blackouts. We can't work without electricity.”
The Government introduced a Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) in the budget to help businesses cope with rising energy costs.
It is aimed at businesses whose average unit gas or electricity price has risen by over 50% compared with their average unit gas or electricity price during 2021.
However, Mary Duffy believes the scheme should be applicable to those whose energy costs have risen by 30% and argues the way it is structured could encourage more energy use.
She explained: “A 50% threshold is way too high for SMEs. It's encouraging people to use more electricity to hit the 50% (rate) It should be 30%.”
Mary also reacted to the news of her recent Outstanding Achievement award.
“I was delighted to receive it, to represent my country and county and to show the standard of Irish hairdressing that's out there.”
Mary hopes to return to hairdressing in Athlone in the future. She first started hairdressing in 1999 and completed her apprenticeship at Peter Marks in Golden Island. Mary also previously worked for the MOHH Hair Salon and Academy.
Mary is the daughter of Liam and Bridge Duffy from Retreat Road.