

Damien McKenna | Musician | Artist in Residence 2025
1 March - 31 May
A mainstay on the Irish music scene, Damien Mc Kenna has fronted one of Dundalk’s most recently notably outfits Orwells ’84. As a songwriter and singer, Damien has released a number of critically acclaimed albums and EP’s.
The most recent of which, The Crucible, highlighted the development of Damien’s writing. Hotpress said – “Refusing to conform to the placation of genre-labelling, The Crucible has uncovered what many musicians spend a lifetime working towards – the ability to create feel-good music that carries vital social commentary. Orwells ‘84 do not disappoint”. Of Damien’s writing it was said “his profound narrative ability to illustrate the hardship of day to day life that exists among the mundane is remarkable”. This piece of work received a number of outstanding reviews including the Irish Times who also gave it 4 stars, while a number of singles made the RTE playlists.
During this time Damien also turn to theatre, immersion himself in An Táin Arts Centre’s work on the 1916, War of Independence and Civil War legacy trilogy. As part of the group Damien both wrote and performed a number of scenes in the piece that explored Dundalk and the civil war.
Damien will be working on two pieces during his residency. The first, working with a number of experts in various fields, will be a play exploring modern day society and masculinity, inspired by Beckett and the Ulster Cycle. Damien will also be working on lyrics for a new musical direction which he has co written the music with another member of Orwells ’84, Sean Byrne.
Of his residency Damien said “I am so very grateful and honoured to be selected for this. The support, resources and space given by An Táin will be of huge benefit. As an artist I am eager to continue to grow beyond my roots of song writing and this for me is an amazing opportunity. Thank you to everyone at An Táin Arts Centre”