The Anglo-Celt 2025 Arts Review- Cormac McCann

Cormac McCann

The Piano Man

Best Cavan event: Aerial dancing at the Cavan Arts Festival. When Con Horgan of Fanzini productions suddenly stepped up from a musical accompaniment role and proceeded to join the stage to start a dual like juggling performance, it was captivating. The full show presented by the circus act “Imeall” was one of the most stimulating visions I have ever experienced.

One to watch: Shane Galligan (drummer) a promising young musician from Cavan, I have had the pleasure of jamming/performing with him on three occasions this year. I learned that he auditioned successfully for the Trinity College Jazz Band where he studies.

Best TV: I enjoy Drew Barrymore’s chat show. I am going through a phase of American chat shows. I quite like Stephen Colbert’s interviewing style and of course Jimmy Fallon is a lot of fun.

Best music: Olivia Dean is probably the biggest emerging pop star of 2024. CMAT, of course, what a year for her. Don Mescall’s Christmas single ‘Northern Star’ was a wonderful moment for new Christmas music this year.

Best theatre: Congrats to Belturbet based Hoodwink Theatre Company on winning the one act All-Ireland Drama Festival with the play “Wildling”. Watch out for further performances throughout the year. I also really enjoyed Micheal Harding’s live story telling show ‘I knew him from the day he died’.

Best podcast: Cavan’s very own comedian Kevin McGahern is one of the dynamic duo of ‘The Lovely Show’ podcast which I really like. He is joined by the beloved Justine Stafford - one of my favourite discoveries of the year.

Together they have a fabulous camaraderie turning current affairs topics into funny moments.