Waterford Brand Ambassadors

JIM O'LEARY - Design Director
Jim began his four-decade career at Waterford Crystal as a cutter and rapidly attained Master Craftsman status. After a five-year stint in the Design Studio, he ascended to his current position as its director. Jim retains the skilled craftsman's dedication to the crystal arts, from blowing and cutting to sculpting and polishing.
 

JOHN CONNOLLY - Chief Designer
John Connolly is Chief Designer and Master Glass Cutter, dedicating three decades of service to Waterford Crystal. As a Master Cutter for sixteen years, John had the distinction of cutting some of our most famous trophies and presentation pieces. John joined the Design Department to develop the highly acclaimed Master Cutter Collection and is at the forefront of all new Waterford products.
 

GERARD TREACY - Master Glass Blower
Gerard began his career with Waterford Crystal as an apprentice glass blower in 1979. Within a year he moved on to ball glass blower. The skill of the Master Glass Blower combines tremendous dexterity and coordination of hands, breath and strength, especially with the larger items. In 1984, Gerard qualified as a glass blower and, three years later, became a Master Glass Blower. He has worked on the entire range of Waterford Crystal stemwares.
 

SEAN O'DONNELL, Waterford Ambassador
Sean was one of the first apprentices to work at Dungarvan Waterford. Eight years later, he became a Master Glass Cutter. Sean loves to create beautiful crystal masterpieces including the Waterford Society limited editions pieces. He has the distinction of being one of a few craftsmen to cut every Waterford Society annual signature exclusive issue since the Society began in 1994.
 

PHILIP O'KEEFFE, Waterford Ambassador
Philip started with Waterford Crystal in 1973 at sixteen years old. His early days were spent cutting stars on the bases of tumblers and glasses and learning from master glasscutters. Philip achieved the status of Master Glass Cutter himself, specializing in Waterford Crystal's heavier pieces. With strength, skill and artistry, Philip creates traditional deep cuts of shimmering elegance.
 

TOM POWER, Waterford Ambassador
Tom began his career with Waterford as a Wedge Cutter 1969. Within ten years he advanced to Master Wedge Cutter. Meeting the criteria of 25 years experience as a Master Craftsman, Tom joined the Special Department of Waterford Crystal, cutting many one-off pieces that are destined to grace the display cabinet of many of the high achievers in sport, politics and business. One of his great works includes the Waterford Crystal Ball, lowered at the Times Square New Year's celebration in New York.
 

VINCENT RELLIS, Waterford Ambassador
For Vincent, working at Waterford was a family tradition with many of his siblings employed by Waterford Crystal. He commenced his apprenticeship in the craft of Rheintour or flat-cutting. This technique is especially difficult on the stems of wine glasses, as the cuts must be symmetrically placed around each stem. Waterford Crystal has designed suites based entirely on these flat cuts such as Curraghmore and the Royal Tara, inspired by 19th century Waterford Designs.
 

MICHAEL VEREKER, Waterford Ambassador
Michael joined Waterford Crystal in 1972. Within eight years he advanced to Master Cutter. This work calls for an artistic eye and steady hand. In Michael's own words "I find cutting crystal very artistic, very hands on and very fulfilling". During his career, Michael has hand-cut exclusive and magnificent pieces such as the Romance of Ireland Collection, the American Heritage Series and numerous now-retired Waterford Society pieces. .