Arts, Culture & Festivals Shortlist 2024

Paul Bond is Rossmore’s star storyteller. He was one of the minds behind the Drumlin Giants of Rossmore Park, an installation of large sculptures, each with a mythical story behind them. The park is the backdrop for many different community events that he runs like a boat decorating contest and an open air cinema night.  Paul also uses storytelling as a way to inspire kids’ creativity, hosting a competition to write the story for the newest Giant.  He developed a new Festival of Dracula this Halloween full of spooky fun. During Covid Paul designed 3D printed facemasks and has organised events to bring entrepreneurs to speak in Monaghan.  

Paul is also a regular volunteer with his local parkrun, racking up 140 parkruns to date! His true (ish!) stories make the Saturdays fun for his fellow volunteers supporting the runners. “Paul impacts Monaghan Town parkrun every Saturday with his chat, dad humour and his willingness most of all to take on any role, in any weather” his nominator writes. 

Claire Hennebry and Jamie Power have been volunteering with street arts festivals for almost 20 years. They are an asset to the volunteers of Spraoi, the Halloween Festival, St Patrick’s Day Festival Waterford and more. For them, volunteering is a family affair, often bringing their little Alexander along! Claire sits on the board for Spraoi and is passionate about making sure everyone feels welcome and supported during the festival. Jamie is known for his big personality and costumes, as well as a mentoring spirit. Behind the scenes of any festival is a lot of work scheduling, dealing with artists, installation, and more, and these two volunteers are always the first to step up and help. They are always on hand to problem-solve on the fly and make sure that there is never a stop to the joy! 

“Claire and Jamie are the type of mentors every new volunteer at an arts festival hopes for. Their dynamic blend of creativity, patience, and enthusiasm transforms what can be a daunting learning curve into an exciting journey of discovery” writes their nominator. 

Every year Union Hall glows with more than 100 lit up Christmas trees, thanks to the leadership of Willie O’ Donovan and the Christmas Lights Committee. In the 1970s, Willie brought a lit nativity crib home from a trip to the US and realised the power of the holiday spirit when people came from all over to see the crib. Willie started transforming his garden into a Winter Wonderland and the entire village has followed suit. The whole community gets involved, and the trees around the village are sponsored by locals. He arranges a special visit from Santa Claus himself to his garden to raise funds for local and national charities.   

“It is a heart warming tradition that has become synonymous with joy and festivity here in Union Hall—Willie and his magical Christmas celebration. If you were to walk through our village at any time of year and ask either any child or any adult where Willie lives, you would be met with bright smiles and animated gestures, as everyone recounts their Christmas memories” writes his nominator.