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).

Iris Vos is a Dutch/Irish arts professional working in Ireland. Iris completed her BA in Contemporary Applied Arts (Ceramics, Glass, and Textiles) at Crawford College of Art and Design in 2022 and her MA in Art History, Collections and Curating at University College Dublin in 2024.

She has a background in curating, event management, auction management, sales, and is currently completing a Curatorial Assistant Fellowship with the South Tipperary Arts Centre.

Derek is Costume Designer and Makeup Artist and a Clonmel native, who has worked in film, print media and stage for the past 15 years, he is currently working towards launching his own Custom Dancewear company “Druid Dancewear” and is very excited to create unique one of a kind pieces.

For the past four years, Derek has worked as Artist Liaison for the Festival and in his own words “I’m always excited to come back each year. I love connecting with performers from different disciplines , meeting new artists, and celebrating their talent. Being part of the creative energy that transforms the town during festival season is something I truly enjoy. The diversity, the buzz, and the shared passion for the arts makes it an unforgettable experience every time.

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.

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.

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.