Team & Board

Rebecca has over 15 years’ experience working in the arts, having successfully delivered a range of programmes of events as Chairperson and on the organising committee of Cashel Arts Festival for 10 years. She has also co-ordinated projects for Clonmel Applefest (2023 and 2024) as well as planning and delivering the children’s Spleodar Halloween Arts Festival in 2024 and planning their 2025 festival. She graduated from Cambridge University with a First in English Literature and an MPhil in Medieval Literature, going on to work as a journalist, researcher, writer and project co-ordinator (www.rebeccalenehan.com).

Colin is originally from Clonmel and brings extensive technical knowledge and experience in sound engineering, lighting and staging, as well as event management skills. Colin’s track record in large-scale events, his leadership and local knowledge all ensure that event management plans are efficiently carried out, contributing to the safe execution of the festival. His interest in offering up-and-coming staff development opportunities in production has led to many going on to successful careers in this field.

Dirk has worked as a sound engineer, lighting technician and production manager in music and theatre since 1985. Highlights include Cork City of Culture, the Rose of Tralee, Name That Tune for Fox TV USA, and he works regularly with local and regional musical societies. He is the founder and director of DBL, one of the South-East’s foremost lighting, staging and event companies.

John has a BA in Fine Art from Crawford College of Art and Design and is a practicing painter working from his studio in Clonmel.  He is currently participating in a post graduate correspondence course in Painting and Professional Practice through Turps School in London. He also has a BA in Quality Management & Technology from IT Sligo and works as a Project Manager/Manufacturing Engineer at Abbott Vascular Clonmel. John is immersed in the visual arts and exhibits his work regularly through solo and group exhibitions around the country and has also curated group exhibitions.

Originally from Slovakia, Martina has called Clonmel home for the past 18 years. With a master’s degree in arts and literature, she has a deep appreciation for the arts, enjoying cult classic movies, theatre, good books and music.

Despite her career shift to a Supplier Quality Engineer in the medical device industry, Martina’s passion for the arts remains strong. Joining the CJAF board in October 2024, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective. Martina is committed to enhancing the festival’s diversity and is excited to contribute to its vibrant community.

Jimmy is a former AIB Branch Manager who has lived in Clonmel since 1999. A native of Birr, Co Offaly, he has over 40 years’ experience in the financial services sector. He is currently a self-employed Business Mentor working with Local Enterprise Offices in Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford, among other business interests. Jimmy has a keen interest in music and cinema and is a current member of Clonmel Rugby Football Club choir. He has been a supporter of the Junction Festival since its inception in 2001 and enjoys the creativity involved in live theatre performances.

Andrew is an animation lecturer, illustrator, and animator with extensive experience in both industry and education. He is currently a lecturer on the BSc (Hons) in Digital Animation Production at TUS Clonmel Digital Campus, where he has played a key role in shaping the animation programme. For the past 13 years, he has been dedicated to developing the next generation of creative talent.

With a deep passion for storytelling, animation, and education, Andrew brings a wealth of experience to the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival board, supporting its mission to celebrate and promote the arts.

Bess ran a music venue for 20 years in Clonmel. She has always had a keen interest in the arts and has been an active member of the Board of Directors.

Mark Hanratty, a technical manager, moved to Clonmel almost 30 years ago to work in Bulmer’s, where he spent 21 years; and has attended many arts events in the area since then, taking a particularly keen interest in visual art, music and comedy. He is a previous Chairman of the board of South Tipperary Arts Centre, and former board member of Clonmel Chamber of Commerce. He has been attending the Junction Arts Festival since its foundation in 2001 and looks forward to the 2025 festival with great enthusiasm.

Shannon Forrest is Co-Founder of Rívesci, multi-award-winning food producers based in Irishtown. Shannon believes in giving back to the community in which we live, work and thrive in and was delighted to have been asked to join the Board in 2022. Previously a Volunteer at CJAF in 2014, Shannon looks forward to being an active Board member. The Arts are very close to her heart and she loves attending many and myriad gigs, poetry readings, exhibitions and much more. With a BA (Hons) Marketing her career has been mainly in Retail, Tourism and most recently the Food industry, where adapting to ever changing environments keeps her on her toes.

Eamon O’Malley, renowned musical director and co-founder of ClonMelody, an events company specialising in music and arts events. He is the leader of acclaimed choral groups including the award-winning ‘Belle Voci’ and the contemporary ‘UpRoar Rock Chorus’. His creative practice covers a prolific array of roles from composer/performer to musical director and arranger. Additionally, Eamon works as a digital media tutor in the FET sector, blending his interest in the arts and technology with educational leadership.