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).

Kate Twohig is an artist and creative producer working across music, performance, and composition, with a strong emphasis on collaborative and festival-based practice. She holds a first-class honours BMus from University College Cork and an MA in Festive Arts.

She is co-director and creative producer of When Next We Meet Music Festival, and has extensive experience in festival production, communications, and audience engagement, having worked with events including Clonmel Applefest, Live at St. Luke’s Cork and Kilkenny Arts Festival. In 2024, she served as Acting Artistic Director of Nenagh Arts Centre.

Kate’s artistic work is rooted in place and community, most notably in From Out The Land (2023), for which she composed the original score and lyrics. She is also Musical Director and Vocal Arranger of Clonmel Community Choir, and an active performer and collaborator, having toured nationally and performed at festivals including Body & Soul, Sounds From a Safe Harbour, and Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, where she first appeared as a singer-songwriter.

Eoin Hally is an arts practitioner, festival manager & musician. He has worked in various roles within festival and event management. Different projects have seen him undertake roles for the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, Carlow Arts Festival, Clonmel AppleFest, Culture Night Late, Common Threads, Visual Carlow, The ART 23 Project ‘From Out The Land’ and the Faoin Speir 2022 project PRISM.

In 2022 he was one of the founders of ‘When Next We Meet’ a boutique music festival set in the idyllic gardens of Raheen House, Clonmel. Heading into its fifth year in 2026, WNWM is a fast growing favourite among artists and attendees for its unique artist led approach. Festival highlights include Villagers, Pillow Queens, Bell X1, Lisa Hannigan, Ye Vagabonds, Talos, Houseplants & Niamh Regan as well as being nominated for Best Small Festival at Ireland’s IMRO Awards.

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.

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 2026 festival with great enthusiasm.

Clonmel native and Junction Festival fan for over 20 years, Patrick is thrilled to join the CJAF board. He’s looking forward to working with the team to bring another amazing festival to the area!

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.

Bea Conner-Peterson is a retired teacher with a Master of Science in Teaching Students with special needs and a Bachelor of Science in computer technology, visual arts and media. She has worked at the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival on a volunteer basis for the past two years. Her passion for education is matched only by her creativity as a playwright, actor, and director. She also volunteers with CTI School in Clonmel with the Afterschool Drama Club. She performed and produced in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival last year.