IN PICTURES: Massive jobs boost for Clonmel town centre as vacant building reopens

A new business has been launched in Clonmel, creating six jobs, and the new enterprise will also see a vacant retail building in the town centre reopen. 

Prodigy Ink Tattoo Studio, located at 37 Gladstone Street, opened its doors on Saturday.

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The studio was founded by a team of artists - each one a partner in building the brand - supported by local businessman JP Wynne, who backed the project to help bring a new vision to life.

The Prodigy Ink team is made up of local talented tattoo artists all working as equal founders with a shared commitment to raising the standard of tattooing in Clonmel.

Built on collaboration, creativity, and professionalism, Prodigy Ink is set to bring new life to the town centre.

The opening was marked by Tipperary South TD, Michael Murphy, who described the venture as a strong vote of confidence in Clonmel's future.

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"At a time when town centres are grappling with vacancy, it's always heartening to see a new business open its doors. I commend and thank those behind the venture for their commitment to Clonmel, and I hope it will serve as a catalyst for further renewal in our prime retail area," said Deputy Murphy.

JP Wynne, a founder of accountancy firm JP Wynne & Associates and the driving force behind numerous successful business projects in the town, is excited about the new project.

His eldest child, Jay, a talented artist, piercer, and apprentice tattooist, is a member of the dynamic Prodigy Ink team.

"I am confident about the future of the town and am a massive believer in the potential of Clonmel as a business centre. Prodigy Ink will be a welcoming and professional set-up, and will be a strong addition to the wide diversity of investments we have in Clonmel," said JP Wynne at the launch of the new business on Saturday.

The studio, tastefully created by interior designer Adrienne O’Dwyer, will be managed by Clonmel man Sam Brannigan, who said the diverse Prodigy Ink team were all specialists in their own right, were passionate about their work, and would be able to deliver the personal needs of each client.

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The creative Prodigy Ink team specialises in a wide range of tattoo concepts, including portrait, fine line, realism, black work, cover-ups, full colour, black and grey, and micro realism.

The studio manager said the team understands the desire and the very personal reasons why people would decide to have a tattoo.

Consultation, he said, was hugely important, and the team wanted people to be very comfortable with their decision on the design of the tattoo before proceeding.

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It was all about what the client wanted and how they wanted to express that with a tattoo, said the studio manager.

"We will give free consultations to people who might have an idea in their head about what style of tattoo they would like.

"After fine-tuning that idea through talking with the team here, they would be matched up with whatever member of the team has the particular skills to deliver on that vision," said Sam Brannigan.

"For me, job satisfaction comes when people come in with an idea and when they see the finished work, it far exceeds their original expectation," said mario. noir. ink.

From Romania, Mario is a specialist in small and intricate lettering, script, and handwriting design.

Fellow Romanian, ian_tats, has worked previously with other members of the team, and he is excited to be involved in the start of the new business, as is tattooist Aran Bradley, who grew up in Clonmel.

"There is a great energy within the team. We all enjoy working together, and we are excited about what we can deliver as a team," said Aran.

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Two locals complete the team: Jay Wynne, a piercer and apprentice tattooist, who takes the brave step into the male-dominated world of tattoo artistry, and Eoghan Woods, an apprentice tattooist.

"We have a very passionate and creative team of resident tattooists. We will also be bringing in guest artists of international renown.

"They might stay in Clonmel for a week or a month, but it would give people in this area a one-off opportunity as these people are in huge demand all over the world," said Sam Brannigan, Manager of Prodigy Ink, which opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.