On St Patrick’s Day 2025, artists from Tuam were invited to celebrate the President’s ‘Samhlaíocht agus An Náisiún – Imagination and The Nation’ initiative in Áras an Uachtaráin.
Each year, the President and Sabina Higgins mark St. Patrick’s Day by hosting a reception for people who have made a particular contribution to Irish society, and in 2025 – the President’s final year in office – they chose to highlight the contribution of the arts at local level.
Our programme coordinator Carolann Courtney, creative team members Fiona Hession and Joanna McGlynn, as well as Tuam-based artists Martina Passman, Pavithra Kannan, Jojo Hynes and Midie Corcoran were welcomed to an evening of celebration, music, speeches and a great opportunity to meet like-minded artists. Also present was Galway County Council Arts Officer Sharon O’Grady, as well as representatives from other Creative Places across Ireland.
The President spoke of his belief that “Art allows us to reflect on different lived experiences, past and present, bearing witness, bringing healing, and calling to action… To all of you present, we are so grateful for your vital contribution to the promotion of an inclusive arts and culture”.
We were honoured to be invited to be part of such an inspiring event, surrounded by other people who are committed to making their corner of the world a better place through art.
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- Martina Passman, Joanna McGlynn, Fiona Hession, Sharon O’Grady, Pavithra Kannan, Jojo Hynes and Midie Corcoran pictured at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Maxwells
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- Midie Corcoran and Jojo Hynes pictured with President Higgins at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Maxwells
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- Martina Passman pictured with President Higgins at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Maxwells
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- Pavithra Kannan pictured with President Higgins at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Maxwells
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- Programme Coordinator Carolann Courtney pictured with President Higgins at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Maxwells
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- Joanna McGlynn pictured with President Higgins at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Maxwells
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- Joanna McGlynn, Jojo Hynes, Fiona Hession, Midie Corcoran, Sharon O’Grady, Carolann Courtney and Pavithra Kannan pictured at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Fiona Hession
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- Joanna McGlynn, Jojo Hynes, Fiona Hession, Midie Corcoran, Sharon O’Grady, Carolann Courtney and Pavithra Kannan pictured at the St Patrick’s Day reception held at Áras an Uachtaráin. Photo: Fiona Hession