Killian O’Flaherty received notable recognition as a nominee for craftsperson of the year in the under-30s category at the SPAB Heritage Awards. He made history as the first Irish nominee in a competition spanning England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, reaching the top four candidates. Following this recognition, Killian established his own Masonry Conservation company, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing the family business while upholding industry traditions. Petra O’Flaherty, his sister, has been brought on as his apprentice, contributing significantly to O’Flaherty Stone’s success. The inclusion of women in this traditionally male-dominated industry represents a transformative approach embraced by O’Flaherty Stone.

Petra O’Flaherty is noted as the first registered female stonemason apprentice in Ireland in over 30 years, marking a significant milestone in the field. Both Killian and Petra hail from Ballyknockan, recognized as “The Granite Village,” and they come from a lineage of 8th generation stonemasons. The article underscores the cultural significance of Ballyknockan and its connections to Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, highlighting its reputation as a hub for stonemasonry. Additionally, it mentions the re-launch of the Stonemasons Apprenticeship, a five-year course initiated in 2014, underscoring the ongoing commitment to training and development within the industry.