Elmarie Mawe and Conor Tallon named as December Cork Persons’ of the Month
Elmarie Mawe and Conor Tallon have been named as December Cork Persons’ of the Month to mark their contribution to promoting the Cork Arts scene during COVID-19.
Elmarie Mawe presents Sunday morning’s “The Arts House” on Cork’s 96FM & C103, with her husband Conor Tallon working alongside her. For many years they have been flying the flag for the arts in Cork, highlighting the work of Cork artists on their weekly show on local radio. However, since the beginning of this pandemic they have actively worked to help Cork artists who were struggling as a result of the country-wide shut down. They have helped to keep the connection between arts practitioners and supporters alive, despite the issues that arose with the physical distancing guidelines.
Elmarie and Conor have been doing this on their show for years, as each week under normal circumstances they would have usually been joined by guests from the world of theatre, music and visual arts. But during COVID-19 they have really shown how valuable the promotional platform that they provide to Cork artists is, and how vital they both are to the cultural life of Cork.
The current climate is particularly challenging for artists, but the work of Elmarie and Conor has kept the community alive. They have continued to promote local talent, and local arts initiatives across Cork City and County.
Speaking on their success Elmarie Mawe said, “We are really delighted to receive this award for doing work that we simply love. We were especially conscious of how valuable a platform radio is to those artists who were suddenly left without an income or way of earning a living. We both understand the importance of the arts in our culture so for us there was never any question that we would not keep going with the show during COVID-19. And throughout lockdown and restrictions, to see the way the arts community adapted, responded and lifted everyone else was so heartening.” Conor Tallon added, “The pandemic has been hard for everyone in different ways. We wanted to be able to help whoever we could, and we’re delighted that we were able to go and give people the support they needed.”
Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan said, “Elmarie Mawe and Conor Tallon were the light in a time of darkness for many during COVID-19. They know the vital role that the arts play in keeping spirits up in Cork, and their perseverance to continue to deliver their wonderful programme shows true resilience and determination on behalf of others during difficult times.”
Elmarie Mawe and Conor Tallon’s names will now go forward for possible selection as Cork Persons’ of the Year. Sponsors of the awards scheme are the Irish Examiner/The Echo; RTE; Southern; Lexus Cork; AM O’Sullivan PR; Cork Crystal; Tony O’Connell Photography; CAVS; Musgrave MarketPlace.
