By Ger Cody
Last June, Mike Kelly turned 80. In July, at the St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall on the Butts Green, Mike was treated to a surprise birthday party. It was organised by a group of young men and women from the Arts sector who wanted to thank Mike for all he had done for them, both on and off stage. There was a sharp intake of breath for Mike as he entered the room to be greeted by over 60 theatre and film practitioners applauding their former director.
Last week, at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Mike was once again honoured. This time, in an event run by Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, Mr Kelly received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Board of Kilkenny Chamber congratulated Mike saying that he was indeed a worthy recipient of the award.
A proud Butts man, Mike Kelly came home to Kilkenny from London in 1991 and founded Young Irish Film Makers (YIFM), which went on to give Cartoon Saloon its start by providing office space, computers, and staff through the FÁS scheme. YIFM has since become one of the cornerstones of Kilkenny’s creative community, it runs the National Youth Film and Animation School and offers after-school classes for local children. Over the years, it has launched countless creative careers and contributed to a thriving local arts scene.
YIFM alumni include Rory Fleck Byrne, now a Hollywood actor; Stephen Colfer, who co-founded Dreamgun Film Reads (a live comedy show that tours internationally); and members who went on to form Mycrofilms, Dreamstuff Youth Theatre, and Devious Theatre. John Morton and Peter McGann, both YIFM alumni, recently sold a play they wrote for Devious Theatre to Sony Pictures, adapting it into a TV series. Stephen Colfer also currently has a short film, GAP, on the festival circuit.
But it is more than who went on to make a career from the Arts. During his time as a director at YIFM, Kelly gave a new lease of life to youngsters for whom sport, one of the integral pastimes for youngsters, didn’t hold an attraction for teenagers who were desperately looking for an activity to spark their artistic desires. They found it with Mike Kelly. And some.
Back to the 80th birthday celebrations for a moment. As the well wishers from Dreamstuff and Young Irish Film Makers arrived, one was reminded of the amazing talent that came out of both stables. From Donegal, Cork, Dublin and many other far flung places, they arrived. Such was their love for the octogenarian. And those who could not attend sent good wishes thanking Mike for giving them a place to attend as youngsters and for bestowing on them a love for the arts.
One man explained that as a youngster, sport held no place for him, either to attend or participate in. “I found my niche with Mike and the team at Film Makers and will be forever grateful for that,” he said. As he spoke those words, 60 plus heads nodded in agreement.
Confelicity
While there is great depth and meaning to his life, there is also a beautiful simplicity about Mike Kelly. What you see is what you get. What probably stands out most of all in his contribution to the Arts, or indeed life in general, is his joy when something works out for another. He sows the seed for the flower to blossom. He has a lovely, indeed rare, gift of delighting in another person’s success. The word ‘confelicity’ covers it nicely, describing a feeling of shared happiness or joy at someone else’s good fortune or success.
Since he directed his first play for youngsters in the Friary Hall in 1965, Mike simply hasn’t stopped. He can look back on some great achievements on the theatrical front which includes setting up both Dreamstuff theatre and Young Irish Film Makers. Indeed it was from the helping hand given by Mike, that Cartoon Saloon was born. Not too shabby for your CV.
Of course Mike was well recognised as an actor himself, in the days when venues included Stallards, The Presentation Hall, The Friary Hall, St Kieran’s College and the CYMS. He performed in numerous shows with various companies including such shows as My Three Angels, Da, A Man for All Seasons, She Stoops to Conquer and Billy Liar. In recent years, Mike has worked with Lake Productions on Trad and War of the Worlds. He continues to work with young people and is very active with the Fr McGrath centre in his beloved Butts. Kelly always believed that if you’re passionate about your work, the busyness feels more like a joy than a chore.
This probably sums up his work. Perhaps his Shakespearean work in the Arts while in England and Australia is an article for another day. Or to quote the Bard “To business that we love we rise betimes and go ‘t with delight.” (Antony and Cleopatra)
Dedication
There is a beautiful and resonant word in Irish culture – ‘dúthracht’ which carries a profound significance. It embodies the essence of dedication and devotion, qualities deeply ingrained in the Irish spirit. In the context of Irish culture, ‘dúthracht’ represents an unwavering commitment to one’s beliefs, passions, and responsibilities.
It reflects the determination to persevere through challenges and obstacles, staying true to one’s chosen path. Whether it’s in the realm of music, where musicians pour their hearts and souls into their craft, or in the monastic sites of old where monks built their lives around unwavering devotion, ‘dúthracht’ underscores the importance of wholehearted dedication. It’s a reminder that, in Irish culture, genuine commitment is not just a virtue; it’s a way of life, a force that shapes and sustains the cultural and spiritual heritage of Ireland. In other words, never giving up. That, dear reader, is Mike Kelly, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
