Awards top off ATU students' year
Winners unveiled at ATU Connemara's furniture design awards
From left: Paul Leamy, Head of Department of Furniture Design and Technology, Mary Mullin, Trustee of the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation, presenting the Foundation Furniture Design Award to student Lucy O’Sullivan from Cahersiveen, Co Kerry, who is studying the BSc (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture in the ATU Connemara campus, and Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University. Lucy’s Rocking Chair is made from Irish grown Oregon maple
Earlier this summer, the President of ATU Connemara, Dr Orla Flynn, together with invited guests, students, their families and staff opened an exhibition of furniture pieces designed, created and made by final year students in ATU.
Titled “Icons 2025 Furniture and Design Exhibition”, it featured 70 individual pieces by students from the BSc (Hons) in Furniture Design, Making and Technology (Common Entry); BSc (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture; BSc (Hons) in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking; BSc (Hons) in Education (Design, Graphics and Construction); Apprenticeship in Wood Manufacturing and Finishing.
The works on show included tables, chairs, clocks, lamps, outdoor seating, cabinets, stools, boxes, marquetry and other bespoke pieces. The winners of a number of design awards were announced at the event.
The prestigious Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation Award 2025 with a £500 bursary was won by student Lucy O’Sullivan for her rocking chair using Irish grown Oregon maple. Lucy is studying the BSc In Furniture Design and Manufacture.
The Ellis Award for Excellence in Making 2025 was won by student Aidan O’Brien for his cabinet (Oak, Connemara marble). Aidan is studying the BSc (Hons) in Furniture Making and Architectural Woodworking.
The Conor Farrell Award for Excellence in Design 2025 with €500 prize, was won by student Liam O’Flaherty for his cabinet (Oak, Connemara marble). Liam is studying the BSc in Furniture Design and Manufacture.
Head of Centre Paul Leamy says: “We are honoured to continue our partnership with the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation in celebrating design excellence at ATU Connemara. This award not only recognises the creativity and skill of our students, but also connects them to the enduring legacy of two of the most influential designers of the 20th century. We’re deeply grateful for the Foundation’s continued support and encouragement of emerging talent in furniture design.”
