I fell in love with Cork and its vibrant arts scene... and never left

Tell us about yourself:

I’m Edel Carmody, Marketing and Communications Officer for the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (IAYO). I work on promoting our courses and events and our national Festival of Youth Orchestras.

I studied Arts International (English and History) at UCC. Since graduating, I’ve worked for a number of Cork-based arts organisations and festivals in marketing and communications roles.

Where were you born?

Just outside Tralee in Kerry.

Where do you live?

I have been living in Cork since 2014, when I moved here to study at UCC. I fell in love with Cork and its vibrant arts scene and never left!

Family?

I live with my partner and my family lives in Kerry, Dublin, and South Korea!

Best friend?

My older brother, we have a lot of interests in common like music, films, books, etc. and he really shaped my interests and outlook on the world. He used to read me all sorts of books when I was very small and used to teach me a lot about history and old bands.

Earliest childhood memory?

Not one defining moment, but I clearly remember visiting my pet lamb Spice (named after the Spice Girls of course) at my grandmother’s farm in the early 2000s!

Person you most admire?

It honestly changes, but lately I’ve been enjoying reading about Ellen Hutchins, an early Irish botanist. She died young aged 29 from an illness and was buried in an unmarked grave in Bantry. Despite her ill health and all the limitations placed on her by society at the time, she still educated herself and made all sorts of important contributions to the field of botany.

Person who most irritates you?

No comment!

Who would you like to see as Minister for Finance, and why?

I would love to see a female Minster for Finance, we have never had one. Perhaps a Social Democrat, I think there are a lot of amazing and passionate women involved with the Social Democrats.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Definitely a trip that I took last year to South Korea where I visited Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju. I was absolutely blown away by the food and the food culture, Koreans really take their food seriously. I visited ancient temples in the mountains, tried so many dishes, and went to some amazing cutting-edge art museums.

Favourite TV programme?

One of my current favourite shows is Bad Sisters. It’s set in Dublin and is a dark comedy centred on a group of sisters and a suspicious death! Really great soundtrack and surprisingly heart-warming despite the dark themes.

Favourite radio show?

It’s hard to pick one but I am a daily RTÉ Lyric FM listener, we always have it on in the IAYO offices and if I’m working at home I have to switch it on, I always enjoy the Friday afternoon arts recommendations. The hosts have always been so supportive of our work at IAYO and of youth orchestras and Irish musicians in general. I feel like Lyric FM fans are a diehard bunch and it’s lovely to see.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’m a big fan of simple dishes, currently one of my favourites is the Minimalist Baker’s roast red pepper pasta, it’s vegan and easy to make but super delicious.

Favourite restaurant?

Definitely Izz Cafe, beautiful and fresh Palestinian food in the city. I am partial to their halloumi manoushet.

Last book you read?

Listen To The Land Speak, by Manchán Magan, it’s a really lovely look at Irish mythology and how it connects to our land. I’m a big fan of his writing and of his other work, I think he’s an amazing advocate for Irish folklore, respecting our land and the Irish language.

Best book you read?

A Ghost In The Throat, by Irish writer Doireann Ní Ghríofa! It’s a really unique blend of autofiction and memoir. She weaves two different lives together, that of the 18th-century poet Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill and herself as a young mother. It’s really beautiful and poignant, dealing with themes like grief, motherhood and identity.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Róisín Murphy’s 2020 album Róisín Machine on vinyl!

Favourite song?

I love a lot of folk and trad, particularly songs like Planxty’s version of Follow Me Up To Carlow, I’m really excited for the 2024 Festival of Youth Orchestras as there will be multiple trad and folk-inspired performances. A number of youth orchestras who are collaborating will be performing a medley of trad songs, including Follow Me Up To Carlow.

Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra are also performing, so it’ll be a really lovely blend of trad and classical with some modern pieces by Irish composers as well.

One person you’d like to see in concert?

Continuing the folk theme, Planxty! Since I doubt they’ll reunite any time soon, I’ll have to get my fill of trad and folk at the Festival of Youth Orchestras in February!

Do you have a pet?

Alas no, apartment living doesn’t really lend itself to pets.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely a night owl naturally, I really like the feeling of night when it feels like the whole world is asleep and you feel like you can really focus on projects or creative endeavours. However, I’d trained myself to enjoy mornings more.

Your proudest moment?

Graduating from My Masters in Gender Studies. My thesis looked at media coverage of domestic abuse in Ireland. It was at times very upsetting as I was looking at real and often fatal cases of abuse, but I think it’s an unfortunately topical and very worthwhile subject.

Spendthrift or saver?

A bit of both perhaps, but I really do try to save. I prefer to keep my money for experiences like trips or things to enjoy with friends/family. For the most part, I try to live frugally, I usually buy second hand and try to be mindful of my consumption.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I live in the city centre and while I think Cork has some amazing cafes, I’d love some late-night cafes. I think it would be great for people who want to socialise without drinking, or even to just have a place to read a book or do some writing. Around Pope’s Quay, there are a few cafes like Myo and Coffee Scape that stay open later, but I’d love for more to follow their lead!

What makes you happy?

Definitely the simple things. I really enjoy gardening, small things like seeing one of my plants flourish, noticing a new shoot, watching the birds in my garden and the seasons change.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who was very curious about the world and always wanted to learn more.

What else are you up to at the moment?

Currently busy preparing for the 28th Festival of Youth Orchestras on Saturday, February 10 in the National Concert Hall, Dublin. Over 400 young musicians from all over Ireland will be performing, including MTU Cork School of Music Symphony Orchestra! See iayo.ie for more information on the festival.