Celebrating creativity in every corner of Kilkenny
By Ger Cody
Photos: jbsphotoskilkenny
Every Arts festival I think of the late Seán Kenny from Wellington Square in Kilkenny. Apart from being a very charming and charismatic man, Jack was a great artist and he proudly showed his wares during various festivals. Above all else, I loved his writing, and his publication Every Stick and Stone that Stands Kilkenny is a book that is never too far from my reach. Seán’s love of Kilkenny oozes through the 500 page publication.
Jack exhibited mostly for art exhibitions held at St Kieran’s College and a favourite sculpture ‘An Spailpín Fánach’ was first exhibited in 1966. There are some who will tell you that the St. Kieran’s exhibitions was the inspiration and forerunner of the present Kilkenny Arts festival. The exhibitions at the college were the brainchild of Rev Fr Joe Delaney.
It was Jack’s love of Kilkenny that made him promote the city and county every chance he got. He regularly quoted his father when asked about Kilkenny, with the reply “I love every stick and stone that stands Kilkenny.”
It was 1974 before the first Arts festival as we know it began. The man who sowed the first seed for an Arts Festival was artist Ramie Leahy. The idea was further developed as Ramie studied with UNESCO in Florence. Mr Leahy was later joined on his quest to promote the arts festival by George Vaughan, David Lee, Brendan Conway and Peter Donovan. Great credit to them producing what was to be Ireland’s first Arts Festival. And the rest as they say is history. And what a splendid festival the current organisers brought us this year.
And so, as you move around to the various exhibits, spare a thought for all those who started the ball rolling in the early years.
Fringe
2025 marks ten years of The Alternative Arts Festival and they should really take a well deserved bow. From the hall in the Butts, to the gravel walk at the Parade, wonderful work by artists enhanced the streets of the city. And to quote from the AKA programme “what began as a grass roots initiative has grown into a thriving volunteer led festival that showcases the incredible talents of local artists and community groups.”
The Kilkenny Observer did a walkabout and captured just a fraction of the exhibitions. We acknowledge that many exhibitions were also held around county Kilkenny but unfortunately we were unable to attend. Next year!
