Official Opening of the 43rd Clifden Arts Festival by Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council followed by a concert with an ensemble of local musicians and dancers: Marie Walsh (Accordion & Piano), Liz and Yvonne Kane (Fiddles), Mirella Murray (Piano Accordion), Eileen O’Malley-Mannion (Banjo & Whistle), Seamus Flaherty (Harp, Dancer, Vocals) and Nathan Pilatzke (Dancer).

Mauren grew up in Ballylongford, Co Kerry, and is a graduate of NUI Galway and of UCD.

Maureen Kennelly was director of Poetry Ireland from 2013 until April 2020. She was previously director of Kilkenny Arts Festival, artistic director of the Mermaid Arts Centre, general manager with Fishamble Theatre Company, and she also worked with Druid Theatre Company, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, The Arts Council and the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. On a freelance basis, she worked with a wide range of organisations including Theatre Forum, Sing Ireland, the Performance Corporation and Age and  Opportunity. She was Primary Curator with the Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival and Programme Director with the Cúirt International Festival of Literature.

Mauren grew up in Ballylongford, Co Kerry, and is a graduate of NUI Galway and of UCD.

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