People power sometimes rules OK. This was one message from the Aran Isle of Inis Mor this week, as peace broke out in the bitter dispute over a new "co-op".
The row, which was reported recently in this newspaper, arose from a decision by an enterprising Cork businessman to set up shop near the pier head at Cill Ronain. Nothing wrong with that, you might say. However, Mr Colm McCarthy decided to name his premises "Aran Knitters' Coop".
Not only is there no registered knitters' co-op on the island, but the shop was selling mainly "imported" machine-knit Aran sweaters at half the price of a genuine handmade geansai.
The Aran Islands have about 20 regular knitters, and there are two shops selling genuine jumpers on Inis Mor. Machine-knit produce is also sold.
Mr McCarthy was asked to remove his sign and refused. Ms Cathy ni Ghoill, manager of the island's registered co-op, Comharchumann Forbartha Inis Mor Teo, sought a meeting with him to explain the islanders' views. "It was felt the sign was misleading," she said.
It wasn't illegal, however - a point made by Mr McCarthy, and conceded by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS). It confirmed that there was nothing to stop a name being used if "limited" was not attached. Mr McCarthy said he was sorry if he had upset anyone, but the title was the most effective marketing name.
Following six days of picketing, Mr McCarthy agreed to remove the sign and to consult the islanders on a new name. Labels on his knitwear will be phased out. Cathy ni Ghoill says she is delighted that the dispute has been resolved. This was not a case of established businesses resenting the arrival of another, as might have been suggested, she said. "Some of the participants in the picket were just ordinary women who felt strongly enough to protest."