Draíocht presents Rory O'Byrne with a LIFETIME TICKET on his Retirement

31 March 2023

End of an Era as Fingal Arts Officer Rory O'Byrne Retires after 29 Years

Today sees the end of an era as Arts Officer Rory O’Byrne retires. He was Fingal County Council's first Arts Officer when appointed in 1994 & his work over the past 29 years has left us with a very vibrant arts scene, a super Arts Office & fantastic facilities like Draíocht & The Seamus Ennis Centre. As a token of thanks, Draíocht presented Rory with a LIFETIME TICKET on his Retirement and a permanent seat in our Main Auditorium, making him Part of the Furniture, assuring him a place in the history of Draíocht forever.

"Rory, from all of us at Draíocht, a huge THANK YOU for all your support, guidance and consideration over the years. Draíocht wouldn't have become the organisation it has, without it. There's a seat here with your name on it ... so we'll see you soon!" - Emer McGowan, Director Draíocht

Rory O'Byrne with President Mary McAleese at Draíocht's official launch May 2001

Fingal County Council has long recognised the importance of the arts in helping to develop healthy and vibrant communities, in a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse Fingal.

In 1994, the post of County Arts Officer was established. Rory O’Byrne was appointed and began the long process of developing an arts infrastructure in Fingal. Central to this, was advising senior managers and elected members as to the benefits of arts and its key role, in supporting communities.

Listen to Rory O'Byrne discuss his role as Fingal County Council Arts Officer

In Episode 15 of the Inside Fingal podcast Gerry McDermott talks to Fingal County Council Arts Officer Rory O’Byrne about how the Arts have developed within Fingal since his appointment in 1994

Fingal Arts Office Website

Become Part of the Furniture in Draíocht