The coming year promises to be a big one for many of Ireland’s young movers and shakers. Today, Irish Times writers offer their tips for 50 people to watch across 10 categories in 2016, plus we have some experts’ predictions of what the year ahead may bring.
Last year's marriage equality referendum showed the appetite for activism in Ireland, and Una Mullally selects people working in areas as diverse as Direct Provision, disability, and violence against women; in food, Catherine Cleary looks at the eating trends hurtling down the tracks and the chefs and foodies taking note; in tech, Ciara O'Brien had a wealth of young entrepreneurs and developers to select from (our youngest is aged just 13); while the age profile remains low in the film and TV category, where Donald Clarke makes his pick of those in front of and behind the camera.
In music, Jim Carroll offers up five acts who will be making waves this year; in sport, Malachy Clerkin reckons there may be an Olympic medal among his selection; Deirdre McQuillan gives the nod to a group making and wearing some of the best Irish fashion; Gemma Tipton and Manchán Magan look at the arts and design scene, while in politics, Harry McGee looks ahead to the general election and a young cohort of politicians he sees succeeding at the ballot.
We gathered together many of the group at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham just before Christmas for a series of portraits by Dara Mac Dónaill and these are featured throughout the 10 categories. You can join the conversation by suggesting people you believe are worth watching this year in our comments section below.
