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We are delighted to launch our Ory’Sta series of conversations with artists, residents, community groups, and business people from Tuam and beyond. Our first conversation welcomes Leo Moran, Tuam local and musician and Ailbhe Murphy, artist and Director of Create to our virtual fireside, to talk with Carolann Courtney, Programme Coordinator. This conversation was recorded in December 2020. We look forward to sharing further conversations in the coming months, and to being able to meet in person when it is safe to do so. For now, join us to gather around the virtual fireplace.
Leo Moran grew up in Tuam where he still lives. He has been playing guitar and in bands since the early 1980s. He was a founder member of The Saw Doctors who toured for 25 years. He has played, toured and recorded with numerous people including Anthony Thistlethwaite, Seamus Rutledge and Jamie Ralph and is currently playing guitar with Padraig Stevens, another original member of The Saw Doctors. His commitment to creativity and Tuam has opened up many conversations for us so far.
Ailbhe Murphy, artist and Direct of Create is responsible for core programming and strategic and organisational development and partnerships, nationally and internationally. Prior to taking up her appointment as Director of Create, as an artist she has worked in a wide range of situated projects as part of the interdisciplinary art and research platform Vagabond Reviews. Ailbhe holds a BA in Fine Art from the National College of Art and Design and she was awarded her doctorate from the University of Ulster in 2011.
Carolann Courtney is responsible for programme delivery for the Creative Places Tuam Pilot. Carolann will work in Tuam, engaging directly with communities, artists and stakeholders to successfully realise the programme’s aims and objectives. Carolann has worked as the arts, health and wellbeing specialist for Kildare County Council since 2013, progressing the council’s specialist work to create high quality arts practice in both acute and community health care settings. Carolann holds a BA Fine Art from DIT and a Post Graduate HDip in Community, Arts, Education from the National College of Arts and Design.
