Festival Team

Festival Director Elaine Gallagher is a writer, director and producer from Moynalty. In 2011 Elaine wrote and directed her first short film, the Screen Ireland-funded dance piece, An Rinceoir (2011), which is currently on the Irish language Junior Certificate syllabus. Subsequent shorts as writer/director/producer include the historical drama, Reel: Irish Women (2016), and the comedies, The Don'ts Of Cycling (2018), and A Fistful of Coupons (2019), which was short-listed for the British Comedy Guide Talent Awards 2020. In 2018 Elaine co-directed the independent comedy-drama feature, The Comeback. Elaine has written for the RTÉ comedy series, The Mario Rosenstock Show (2015), and for children's TV, on RTÉ Junior's Bright Sparks (2022) and Dizzy Deliveries (2022). Last year she co-produced the multi-award winning feature documentary, North Circular.

Mick Jordan is a writer and director based in Kells. He is the Co Director and the Short Films Programmer for the Meath Film Festival. He has a BA in Film and has written for TV and radio. He co-hosts the podcast Spoilerama and writes for the Film Ireland website. He also has a regular film history column with Ireland's Own magazine.

Paul Whelan is a Writer/Director from Meath. He holds a BA Honours Degree in Film. He has written and directed a number of short films having received laurels for his writing. Paul is also the creator and host of Reel Deal Film Talk a podcast that focuses on the filmmaking process and how much-loved films had been created.

Ailbhe O'Brien serves as the Secretary and Venue Liaison for the Meath Film Festival. She recently graduated with a BA in English Literature and Film Studies. In addition to her BA, Ailbhe has a background in politics. She brings a passion for showcasing the power of film to the MFC. As one of the youngest members of the team she helps to bring a fresh perspective and grounded energy to festival, while managing logistics and maintaining a strong community relationship.

Lucy Shannon is the Graphic Designer and Website Manager for the Meath Film Festival. Currently completing her BA in Film and TV Production, Lucy holds a Higher National Diploma in the same field and brings a wide set of skills to the festival. Alongside her work behind the camera, Lucy is also a women’s tailor/dressmaker with her main focus on costume design for screen. She has contributed her costume expertise to several short film productions, bringing characters to life through thoughtful, story-driven design. As the youngest member of the committee, she plays an active and creative role in shaping the festival’s identity.

Aishling Monaghan is the Media Relations and Social Media Manager for Meath Film Festival, capturing it's energy both online and throughout the local community. With a background in digital marketing, local journalism and community engagement, Aishling brings a creative eye and a passion for celebrating people, places and the power of film to the MFC. 

Ellen Cassidy studied Contemporary Art at Atlantic University, Galway, and developed a strong interest in digital and creative media while there. She joined the collective to keep her passion for film alive after completing her BA. Ellen is now training to be an art teacher to pass on her love of the arts to the coming generations of artists.

Kathy Cooke is one of the founding members of Meath Film Festival and has been an active member with the MFC since 2021. She is passionate about filmmaking and being able to showcase other passionate filmmaker's work at the festival. Kathy has a Level 7 in Film and Theatre Studies and a Level 8 in Film Studies, equipping her with both academic insight and practical understanding of the craft. 

Anngele Milner enjoys the arts, theatre, music and everything film. She regularly promotes local film festivals and takes pride in linking with the local community with a focus on including all age groups as she strongly believes art is for everyone. Anngele has been a volunteer at the solstice since 2018 and continues to advocate for the arts to be accessable to all within the local communities. 

Aoife Lalor is a full-time Video Editor specialising in Promotional, Educational & Social Media content. As a member of the Meath Film Board Aoife assists in coordinating the festival and helps contribute to the design and social aspects of the festival.