A Midleton Arts Festival Award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton
We created this award in 2016 to honour a member of the local community, Betty Moloney , to recognise and acknowledge her huge contribution to the arts in Midleton.
We now carry on this tradition every year, as the Footprint Award: A Midleton Arts Festival Award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton
2026 Footprint Award…. who will it be??
2025 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival Award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: MyPlace Community Centre
We were thrilled to offer this annual award to MyPlace. The award also goes to the fabulous group of people who run the centre. They have been supporting the arts and Midleton Arts Festival since they started.
2024 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival Award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Danny McCarthy
A Quiet Pioneer of Midleton’s Arts Scene
Danny grew up in Mallow and now resides in Midleton. He was a pioneer in using sound as an art form. For over four decades, Danny McCarthy has been a transformative force in Midleton’s cultural landscape. As a sound artist, he has redefined auditory art in Ireland. He is also the co-founder of the Quiet Club with Mick O’Shea. He champions Quiet Music – a genre emphasising silence, field recordings, and immersive listening. He curated the Variables exhibition for the Midleton Arts Festival over four years. This effort showcases local professional artists. It also features his experimental sound art. This initiative draws national attention to the town.
McCarthy’s legacy runs deeper. He spearheaded the very first Midleton Arts Festival years before its current iteration. He planted seeds for today’s vibrant scene. His influence extends to education, inspiring generations of UCC music students to explore avant-garde sound and interdisciplinary art. Beyond galleries, he’s been a linchpin in community festivals. He played a key role in establishing Cork’s Triskel Arts Centre. He played a crucial role in setting up the National Sculpture Factory. He also served as a director at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh. Remarkably, he bridges art with athletics with deep involvement in Midleton Athletics. This is a testament to his belief in creativity’s role in all aspects of life.
From the Crawford Gallery to grassroots initiatives, McCarthy’s work whispers loudly: art is everywhere, if you learn to listen.
2023 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Yvonne Condon
Below is a transcript of Ilse de Ziah’s speech. It tells a little of Yvonne’s story in Midleton:
Yvonne is a special woman.
She is an artist working with strength through the lenses of her perception. Legally blind, deaf, she signs, she reads, she writes and she is an artist.
When she paints, she is lost in the art, observes what she’s doing and is so serene.
Along with her glorious mother Margaret, she is a powerful force.
Margaret says, “Yvonne has made me a better, more tolerant and patient person. She goes to bed every night happy because she accepts life as it is.”
She also has the fabulous Carolina, who is now with her, supporting her.
Yvonne’s artistic star was sparked by Hermann Marbe, so important in Yvonne’s life in that he discovered her inspiration. He spotted her talent and never interfered, but encouraged her and left her at it. Yvonne Painted in Madrid and Bristol with Herman
He took her disability away. She’s no longer a person with a disability. She’s now Yvonne Condon artist. She has an ability that inspires us all with confidence and strength.
Margaret says of what she has learned from her daughter
“Treat people with Respect, hold your head up, be proud of who you are. “
Yvonne is always herself. Her portraits and her paintings of animals are fabulous and inspiring. Her lesson to the whole community is significant. Her footprint in the local and art community is evident because she has taught many people many things. Her footprint truly marks the way. It reminds you to be your true self. Accept who you are by following the creative spark in yourself.
Thank you for coming, Margaret and Carolina. Of course, thank you to Yvonne for your gifts to those around you. These gifts also touch those whom your art reaches.
Alice Barry has written a poem, and before presenting it, will read it.
2022 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Belinda Walsh & Ilse de Ziah.
Since the start of the festival, Belinda and Ilse have been bringing art to the community. They share their vision of a town full of artists. These artists connect with the community to create and come together through art. As Co-Artistic Directors, they received the Footprint award 2022. They were recognised for their many years of involvement in the local arts community. They also promoted the festival and art in Midleton.
2021 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Ronan McCarthy & Jess McCarthy of Midleton Books
Jess & Bones, as we know them, were the recipients in 2021. They were recognized for their amazing work through their Main Street bookstore. Here’s a lovely article about them (photo source): https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30932461.html
Below is a transcript of Ilse de Ziah’s speech. It tells a little of Jess and Bones’ story in Midleton.
We have had wonderful previous recipients, Betty Moloney, Ross Daly, Ina McCarthy and Susan Herlihy, we are thrilled to award it this year to Midleton Books Jess and Ronan McCarthy
20 years ago, after running away to South America, they returned home. Ronan’s father gave him 10 grand and said Midleton needs a bookstore. They got a very small building next to the Gooses Acre Pub. Then, as they were already growing, they moved to 103 Main St. Many bookstores were selling up due to Amazon and online. However, they persevered. They knew this was important and what they did. Ian played at their opening, completing the circle beautifully. Now, here he is to help us remember that community comes around.
They support schools, the festival, they are a creative and happy hub for the town. And I alway will remember my children running to the back of the store with joy to discover their next book!
Jess and Ronan love getting to know the customers. They are always helpful. They know they have a place where people come for answers. It’s a place to free up our minds and provide gates to a place of escape. They have given Midleton a, dreaming clever heart and their footprint is huge.. They are trustworthy gatekeepers to the imagination. We are thrilled to give the 2021 footprint award to Jess and Ronan and their Midleton bookstore.
Jess and Ronan McCarthy
2019 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Susan Herlihy of Crafty Hands Studio
Below is a transcript of Ilse de Ziah’s speech. It tells a little of Susan’s story in Midleton.
The 2019 award goes to a wonderful woman, full of energy, and a passion for art and for the community. She has given a huge contribution to so many people for the past 13 years.
Susan started working with ceramics 23 years ago. She had converted her house in Scotland into a studio where she was working and teaching. Early on, she saw how much the students were benefiting from being in a creative space. She realised its importance.
She came back home to Midleton in 2006. She had a clear vision of what she wanted for herself and her community. She started Crafty Hands studio.
Her vision: to normalise creativity in the community through the medium of clay. To encourage wellbeing through creativity and to develop her own skills to be able to always have more to offer.
She has a strong business model. Since opening her studio, there has been a steady flow of thousands of children and adults through her welcoming doors. People come for years.
In her courses, she teaches the basics. She also covers glazes and clays. This opens the door for students to choose which direction they would like. She gives people a space to be free and a space to work.
She has developed what she describes as “a creative place for the Midleton community.” It allows them to feel and understand the freedom of the arts.
Her own works are beautiful. We were proud to have her exhibition in the Half Light Gallery for the festival.
The prize is a beautiful footprint painting by Belinda Walsh. She and Susan started the first Mid May Arts Festival. We owe a huge thank you to both of them for their vision and passion.
2018 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Ina McCarthy of ‘Ina McCarthy for Flowers.’
Below is a transcript of Ilse de Ziah’s speech. It tells a little of Ina’s story in Midleton.
The shop is an artwork in itself, and often filled with Ina’s works and other artists’ paintings for exhibitions. It’s a place that enlivens the town and adds an artistic feel.
Ina started working with another florist thirty years ago and trained in the field. She has also been an art teacher and a psychiatric nurse. This experience placed her well 11 years ago to start up a florist in Midleton. First where Monty’s is now, and 5 years ago they moved to the present premises on Main Street.
Ina has created a quirky and welcoming space where people can come in and have a look, and feel comfortable. It’s a place where you can relax. No one jumps on you or pushes you to buy. The colours, smells, and artistry slowly infuse into your senses.
There’s even a sofa where past patients come in and read the paper and have a cup of tea. What better healing than that!
Ina likes people to be able to look and take photos. She appreciates and feels “humbled by people coming in and liking the taste of what they do.”
Her daughter Rachel has been working with Ina since she was seven years old. She helped her open the shop and never left. She is also a creative powerhouse in the flower world.
They consider every flower combination for customers for weddings and other events in an artistic manner. This reflects the dresses, the skin tone, and what suits the person. The whole process is creative. It is art. Many people at many events over the past eleven years have appreciated the beauty of their work.
When I asked Rachel for a quote about her mother, she said one that makes her think of Ina is:
“Blessed are the cracked for they let the light in.”
A big thank you to Belinda Walsh. She has generously created an artwork for Ina’s mantelpiece. This artwork is the Footprint Award.
Please give a big Búla Bos to Ina McCarthy. She is coming up to collect the Midleton Arts Festival award. This award is for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton.
2017 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Ross Daly Tattoo Artist
Ross works at Holy Cow Midleton and has been putting his artwork on people of Midleton for sixteen years. See his website here
2016 Footprint Award
Midleton Arts Festival award for Contribution to the Arts in Midleton: Betty Moloney
The 2016 award recipient was announced at the official festival opening. It was held on Friday, 12th May, in the Courtyard Gallery above Sage Restaurant. Below is a transcript of Ilse de Ziah’s speech. It tells a little of Betty’s story in Midleton.
“It’s Betty Moloney’s 80th Birthday today and still a vibrant contributor to the Arts in Midleton. When I found out her birthday coincided with the Mid May Arts Festival, I pondered the immense contribution Betty has made to the Arts in Midleton. I felt it would be wonderful to acknowledge the musical footprints she has made all over the town and throughout East Cork.
In 1947 she moved to Midleton from Cork. She played piano from an early age. The nuns noticed her great talent. They encouraged her to play with others. By the time she was 12, she was accompanying local Midleton singers John Martyn and Michael Moloney. At 14, she was playing the pipe organ at St Mary’s Church. By 16, she was appointed the official organist there. She still plays for services there and plays the organ every Sunday in Balintotis church.
Over the years, she has made numerous contributions. She has encouraged hundreds of pupils. Many of these pupils have gone on to be successful musicians. She founded the Midelton Arts and Music Academy, which had teachers of violin, speech, singing, piano, and cello. It also ran concerts with pupils past and present, including her “Summer Serenade” concerts every year.
She founded the highly successful Midleton Féile (Feile an tSamhraidh). It was held last weekend, attracting over one hundred singers and instrumentalists from around Cork. There were also over 20 school groups, choirs and bands, and four adult choirs. Excellent pianos were supplied by her son Peter Moloney. Moloney Pianos facilitated the event, along with renowned adjudicators from around Ireland.
Her work towards creating a Midleton Theatre did not happen. However, the funds she raised were donated to My Place Community Centre. This centre is now an integral part of the festival and an important place for young people in Midleton.
All this work happened with the help of people who were inspired by Betty. She says So many people are happy and willing to get on board. They give their time generously.
Her footprints have marked these streets and the lives of many people. Her encouragement, vibrant energy, and sense of humour and fun have been an inspiration.
Betty, I would like to present you with a sculpture made by Belinda Walsh. It recognises and acknowledges your contribution to the arts in Midleton. This mark you have made is symbolised by a foot. A tendril is growing up and out, representing your vibrancy. It also showcases your input and encouragement to the community.
Thank you for your work and love of the local people and of the Arts in Midleton.”