People
The Artists
A panel of seven Cork-based artists was selected through a public call, chosen for their commitment to socially engaged practice and their potential to contribute meaningfully to creative responses to grief and loss. All seven artists received bespoke training in working with people experiencing grief and loss, and six were involved in the delivery of the project in Knocknaheeny and Mayfield.
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Amy McNamara is a traditional Irish musician and visual artist based in Cork City. Originally from Tulla, Co. Clare – an area renowned for its musical heritage – Amy was immersed in the East Clare style from an early age. She gained national recognition through her success at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, notably winning the Senior Céilí Band competition in 2019 with the Cnoc na Gaoithe Céilí Band, following three consecutive Munster titles (2017–2019). Amy has toured internationally, representing Irish music and culture in Shanghai and South Africa, and has performed widely across Europe with her siblings, Kate and Gearóid McNamara.
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Clara Scullion is a multimedia artist based in Cork, originally from County Antrim. Her work explores representation and memory through photography, textiles, and text. She collaborates with charities and organisations to help amplify lesser-heard voices through public exhibitions.
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Grace Haynes is a visual artist and educator from the Cavan/Monaghan region, now based in Cork City. She holds a BA (Honours) in Illustration and Graphic Design. Grace is a socially engaged artist working in community contexts and is a Creative Associate with the Creative Schools initiative, as well as an associate artist with Helium Arts. Her work draws inspiration from Ireland’s native flora and fauna and increasingly incorporates eco arts practices, including natural dye-making. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Eco Arts Practice at Crawford College of Art and Design. |
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Jennifer Horgan is a teacher, poet, and columnist for the Irish Examiner. Her creative writing has appeared in journals such as Southword, Howl, and Abridged. She was awarded a poetry mentorship with Thomas McCarthy in 2023 and was one of four poets selected for a masterclass with Theo Dorgan in 2024 as part of One City One Book. Her work was recently shortlisted in RTÉ’s Prompt Series. Care, Jennifer’s debut poetry collection, was published by Doire Press in April 2024. |
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Julie Forrester is a visual artist and creative producer whose practice prioritises process-based approaches, often working collaboratively and in context. Her work explores narrative forms rooted in place and shared experience, with recent projects focusing on urban ecologies and climate awareness. Julie’s collaborative work explores the sense of belonging arising out of relationship with place, and embraces themes of advocacy, and inclusion. With a long-standing career in arts education, she is a panellist with several arts organisations, including Crawford Art Gallery, where she delivers programmes in response to exhibitions. She is currently curating Gleann a’Phúca, a multidisciplinary, site-specific arts participation project in The Glen, Cork. |
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Rachel Lartey is a Social Practice Arts Facilitator and Researcher based in Cork. Her work centres on creating meaningful artistic experiences within communities, with a focus on inclusivity, dialogue, and co-creation. She explores social issues such as ageing, identity, isolation, stigma, and the need for human connection. Through collaborative, arts-based approaches, Rachel facilitates spaces for reflection, sharing, and imagining new possibilities. |
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Tommy Lysaght is a stone carver, facilitator, and educator. He collaborates with various organisations on projects that connect people with heritage, culture, and place. Tommy creates public sculptures and installations, working closely with Cork City Council, local businesses, and organisations such as Cork Simon Community. He also produces solo pieces and accepts private commissions, often inspired by nature, stories, and personal connections. The Aran Islands hold particular significance for Tommy, serving as a source of inspiration in his journey as a stone carver. |
The Groups
St. Mary's on the Hill National SchoolSt. Mary’s on the Hill N.S. is a mixed primary school deeply rooted in the Knocknaheeny community. |
St. Patrick's Girls National SchoolSt. Patrick’s Girls N.S. is a Catholic primary school located on Gardiner’s Hill in Mayfield, Cork City. |
Mayfield Senior Citizens GroupThe Mayfield Senior Citizens Group comprised individuals identified by Mayfield Arts Centre, Roseville House, and Lotamore Family Resource Centre as having experienced grief and loss. |
St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Group KnocknaheenySt. Mary’s Senior Citizen’s Group is a long-standing community initiative that provides a welcoming space for older adults in the Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill area. |
Friendly Call CorkFriendly Call Cork is an initiative of Cork City Partnership – a free service providing a daily phone call to older people or individuals who may feel lonely, isolated and vulnerable in Cork City. The service specifically targets people with chronic illnesses or who cannot engage in an active way in the community. |
Additional project participants and partners included: HSE Community Health teams, Hollyhill Library, Mayfield Library, Music Generation Cork City, Musical Neighbourhoods, The Canteen (Knocknaheeny Youth Project), The Kabin Studio, Dance Cork Firkin Crane, and Tinderbox Orchestra.
The project was guided by input from multiple agencies including Cork City Council, Irish Hospice Foundation, HSE South West, Cork City Partnership and Sláintecare Healthy Communities, informed by Irish Hospice Foundation’s Arts and Cultural Engagement programme’s work on reducing the impact of grief and loss.