Arts picks: Louise Swords

Highlights of 2023

Louise Swords

Founder of Clayotic

Best arts event: The Healing Spirit Festival founded by Gearoid and Lorraine Teevan. A beautiful, intimate two day festival combining music, art and meditation. I brought my two boys and they both loved the atmosphere and freedom of this event. Looking forward to next years one!

One to watch: During Culture night I got to hear a relatively new band called ‘No Vendors’. A Cavan based band whose members comprise of some of the Doherty clan. These are destined to be something big.

Best film: Rose Island, based on the true story of engineer Giorgio Rosa, who built an independent state off the coast of Italy in 1968. Perhaps in 2024 I could do something similar off the Irish coast!

Best book: Currently reading the book by late local man Mel Doherty- ‘Mel’s your man’ a humorous insight into local events and characters from Mel’s past. His illustrations and cartoons are quirky and often hilarious. A book that you pick up to pick you up!

Best music: I rang in last new year listening to The Mary Wallopers a Dundalk Folk band with a contemporary twist. They exude a raw energy that could be described as the Clancy brothers meets Johnny Lydon! They also preformed to a rapturous audience at Glastonbury 2023. Great music and inspirational hair dos!

Best podcast: Diary of a Ceo, an insight into the remarkable stories of remarkable people that have defined culture, achieved greatness and often overcame adversity to become best in their field. I take away something inspiring from each episode.