Howya! Marilyn Gaughan Reddan (Galway Culture Company)

Howya now? We love to shine a spotlight on the lovely people that make Galway great. In this edition of 'Howya', get to know more about Marilyn Gaughan Reddan...

Howya! Any craic?
I’m grand thanks and yourself?

Tell us about yourself..
I live near Furbo in Connemara, right in front of the sea and a bit like myself, it changes every day. I have three daughters, a lovely husband and a mad white husky.

I currently run the Galway Culture Company. We enable Galway organisations to be more connected in Europe and support cultural work celebrating who we are as Galwegians. It’s a two-year programme which concludes in 2024.

What do you love about your job?
At the end of the day, I produce. It’s what I’ve always done. What I love most is taking the creative vision and brilliance of others and helping them make that a reality. I am never ‘out front’ and I like that. I like just quietly making things happen and supporting others. Nothing gives me more joy.

What brought you to Galway?
My job. I was appointed ‘County Arts Officer’ in Galway in 2001. I came, worked, fell in love and never left.

What is your happiest memory?
From childhood, running around the beach in Belmullet where I grew up. In adulthood, it’s still running around a beach, going for a swim with my family or friends.

What's your favourite thing to do in Galway?
Go to Charlie Byrnes Bookshop and buy a book. Walk up the street, have some Prátaí and then have a beer and sit outside and watch the town go by. It’s such a fantastic little city, full of personality and characters and I just love that.

Tell us one thing you'd love to change about Galway?
Well, I’d love less traffic for a start, and I’d love some cultural infrastructure to support our amazing sector. Not too much to ask, really, just an aul road and a few buildings…

Tell us a secret...
I dance, and I actually dance every day. My kids don’t like it, but I do love to dance and play music very loudly especially when I cook, which I also love to do.

Learn more about the work that Galway Culture Company does HERE.