‘The wealth of talent here is outstanding’: Longford creatives shine at inaugural Arts Awards
The Longford Arts Recognition Awards were presented at a special ceremony in the Backstage Theatre, bringing together artists, their families and supporters from across the county
FROM ballet and photography to poetry and sculpture, seven of Longford’s creative talents have been honoured at the county’s first ever Arts Recognition Awards.
The Longford Arts Recognition Awards Recipients 2026 are ballet teacher Anica Louw, photographer Shelley Corcoran, sculptor Michael Casey, international choreographer and director Michael Keegan-Dolan, poet Noel Monahan, musician, recording engineer and producer Paul Gurney and performance maker Luke Casserly.
The awards were presented at a special ceremony in the Backstage Theatre on Friday, bringing together artists, their families and supporters from across the county.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Arts Officer for Longford County Council, Shane Crossan said: “Over the summer we invited people to nominate artists they felt had made a really good contribution to Longford, and you didn't fail. We had over 120 nominations, and I only wish that everybody who works in the arts in Longford could get an award.”
Cllr Gerry Hagan added that nights like this are so important. “A place where all our artists can come together and get the just recognition that they deserve. In these inaugural awards, we honour seven recipients who have been nominated by their peers for their significant contribution to the arts in Longford. I hope that this becomes an annual event on the Longford County calendar.
Upon accepting his award, recording engineer and producer Paul Gurney said: “It's so great to be honoured and to be recognised for doing what we do… Thanks so much, and I mean this from my heart to the people of Longford who about 40 years ago accepted this wee man from North Leitrim.”
Ballet teacher Anica Louw accepted her accolade, saying: “Thank you to all those parents that actually trusted me and believed in me... I'm still best of friends with all my students. I'm one of those people that just can't let go. I'm the dance mammy.”
Poet Noel Monahan added: “This is a wonderful idea to invite people to just recognise the amount of work that's going on in Longford.”
Longford Leader photographer Shelley Corcoran commented: “The wealth of talent here in Longford is outstanding, and I am honoured to have been chosen out of so many worthy recipients to be in the final seven.”
Michael Keegan-Dolan was unable to attend the ceremony but his sister Catherine Dolan accepted the award on his behalf. “Any of you who have seen Michael's shows will know that his inspiration comes from Longford and the Midland countryside... Michael said the Midlands has always inspired me to make work.
Performance maker Luke Casserly was also unable to attend the ceremony in-person as he was performing in Sydney, Australia but provided a video reacting to receiving the memorial award honouring the lifetime contribution to the arts of the late Gus Hanley.
"Thank you so, so much to Longford County Council and to Longford Arts Office for this recognition. It really means the world.” Luke also received a €1,000 prize bursary.