Arts 2024 highlights: SallyAnn Duffy

Sally-Ann Duffy

Bailieborough based visual artist

Best County Cavan Arts Event: A standout event was Julianna Gilbrides (@paintingsofmyponderings) exquisite exhibition of ‘old master’ style oil paintings in Bailieborough Library. Her stunning work featuring china tea cups with imagined personalities was inspired.

One to watch: Liam Raymond (Rayzor Sharp Productions) Kingscourt is an aspiring young filmmaker and actor. He has written, directed and starred in two short films featuring thought provoking and dark subjects. His creativity at such a young age is exciting.

Best Podcast: Hosted by Rylan, ‘How to be in the Spotlight’.Fascinating celebrity insights dealing with homophobia, sexism and mental health. Also, Stephen Bartletts’ Diary of a CEO is a favourite. He explores challenging questions and concepts from scientists, celebrities and public speakers.

Best Film: I prefer episodic dramas, however ‘Saltburn’ was a film I watched to see what all the hype was about. I am not sure if I was more focused by the beautiful filmography or repulsed by the crude scenes! Definitely a film that was one of the more unusual ones I watched this year!

Best TV: I loved the drama “Strike” about a former soldier turned private detective. With a chaotic life and issues relating to his time as a soldier he forms a partnership solving interesting crimes. Actor Tom Burke certainly made it worth a watch and Holliday Grainger great as his sidekick. This series was written by JK Rowling and aired on BBC.

Best Theatre: A fabulous amateur production of Kinky Boots in Scarborough, England. The story, dancing and music were uplifting. I hope to see Johannes Radebe from BBC’s ‘Strictly’ in this musical in Dublin in 2025.