Excitement builds for inaugural County Longford Arts Recognition Awards

Seven Longford artists to be honoured at Backstage Theatre

Press Release: Monday, 21 September 2026

Excitement is building across County Longford as the arts community prepares to celebrate the inaugural County Longford Arts Recognition Awards on Friday, 25 September.
County Longford Arts Service, in collaboration with Longford County Council and media partner The Longford Leader will recognise seven individuals whose creativity, commitment and contribution have helped enrich the cultural life of County Longford. Award winners include Anica Louw, Michael Casey, Paul Gurney, Shelley Corcoran, Noel Monaghan, Luke Casserly and Michael Keegan Dolan.
The awards will be presented at a special ceremony in the Backstage Theatre on Friday, 25 September at 7pm, bringing together artists, their families and supporters from across the county for an evening celebrating Longford's creative community.
The award sculptures have been specially commissioned from acclaimed glass artist and sculptor Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Studios, whose work is held in the White House collection. Based in County Offaly, O’Donnell has created pieces inspired by the idea of finding light in the dark, reflecting the often-unnoticed positivity and colour in our surroundings. The glasswork incorporates bog-land colours of lustrous golds, browns and greens, alongside swirling forms that reference Longford’s Celtic heritage.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Gerry Hagan, said, “There is a real sense of excitement as we approach the first County Longford Arts Recognition Awards. Longford has a remarkable community of artists and creative people, and this event gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the imagination, dedication and energy they bring to our county. I look forward to celebrating with the recipients, their families, colleagues and friends.”
Longford County Council Chief Executive Samantha Healy said, “Excitement is building in advance of the inaugural County Longford Arts Recognition Awards. The worthy award winners represent the depth and variety of creative talent within Longford, and we are delighted to have an opportunity to recognise their contribution. We are looking forward to bringing everyone together for what promises to be a very special evening.”
The inaugural County Longford Arts Recognition Awards take place on Friday, 25 September at 7pm in Backstage Theatre, Longford.
For further information on the Longford Arts Recognition Awards, or on County Longford Arts Service more visit longfordarts.ie or follow County Longford Arts Service on social media. For more on Longford County Council, visit longfordcoco.ie.