The Parish (2022)

The Parish is an exhibition which takes Clonakilty GAA as its starting point to explore the GAA as an integral part of Irish culture and community. The GAA is the most ubiquitous cultural, community and sporting institution in Ireland, with a presence in almost every parish. However, it has seldom been the focus of creative work. Michael Holly spent over three years documenting the many and varied aspects of the Clonakilty GAA community, examining the impact of the presence of the GAA on a rural community, and how it may define what it means to be rural and Irish in an increasingly culturally homognised and globalised society.

Michael closely interacted with the regular activities of the Club, recording footage and sound using principles of ethnographic/ observational filmmaking, encompassing and representing the scope of a GAA club as a community organisation. He recorded a range of activities, including sporting activities (training, matches etc.) as well as social events, fundraising events, a funeral, award ceremonies and religious services. From early 2020 he focused on the Ladies Football Team and continued interacting with the Club and conducting interviews as restrictions allowed throughout Covid-19.

Uillinn, West Cork Arts Centre, April-May 2022. South Tipperary Arts Centre, July 2022.

Supported by the Irish Research Council and The Arts Council of Ireland