Local Tipperary arts festival announces new artistic director

The Board of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival has named the incoming Artistic Director as writer and journalist Rebecca Lenehan.
Rebecca joins the Junction team with over 15 years of event management experience, successfully delivering a range of programmes of events at Cashel Arts Festival, Clonmel Applefest and Spleodar Halloween Arts Festival. She was also editor and coordinator for the Elders of Clonmel writing project in recent years as well as the Artisans of Cashel.

John Kennedy, Chairperson of the Board of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, said: “The Board of Directors of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival are delighted to welcome Rebecca Lenehan as the new Artistic Director. We are sure that her vision and understanding of the arts will inspire and elevate the festival as we enter this exciting new chapter.

“The board would like to thank Cliona Maher for bringing the festival to where it is today and wish the very best of luck in future endeavours. We are looking forward to what this new chapter with Rebecca will bring while honouring the rich legacy of the festival.”

Rebecca Lenehan, incoming Artistic Director of Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, said: “It is a great honour to accept the role as Artistic Director for the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival. I am really looking forward to continuing the well-established partnerships with South Tipperary Arts Centre (STAC), The Source Arts Centre, Tipperary Dance and Finding a Voice.

“I would like to thank my predecessor Cliona Maher and all the previous Artistic Directors, who have helped to form the Clonmel Junction into the vibrant festival it is today. Since its inception in 2001, the festival has answered a hunger in the community for arts events - a hunger that is still very strong.

“I hope to work with many diverse local groups and with a rich array of local, national and international artists in the future, while continuing to develop events working closely with Tipperary Libraries, Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, Music Generation and TUS.

“Clonmel has amazing heritage sites such as the Main Guard and I intend to support and sustain innovative and engaging events that respond to these local heritage sites, traditional and new venues, all the while promoting and sustaining a strong sense of participation and community.

“The planned festival for 2025 offers wonderful opportunities for engagement with the arts and I will work hard to ensure that Clonmel Junction encourages participation while showcasing the fantastic venues in the town.

“Thank you to John Kennedy, the Board and all the rest of the Junction team for such a warm welcome. We are busy planning Junction 2025 and look forward to seeing you all at our exciting array of events from 4 to 13 July 2025.”