Civic recognition for Cartoon Saloon's immense contribution to Kilkenny

Over two hundred people packed into the Medieval Mile Museum yesterday evening to celebrate and acknowledge the immense contribution that thrice Oscar-nominated animation studio has made to Kilkenny.
Paul Young, Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey formed the studio in 1999 and it has grown into a hugely successful, award-winning company which now employs approximately 200 people.
Director of Services at Kilkenny County Council, Tim Butler welcomed the team from Cartoon Saloon, public representatives, the Canadian ambassador, Mr Kevin Michael Vickers, council staff and invited guests to the function which was held in the iconic building, which is on the 13th Century site of St Mary's Church.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Eamon Alyward welcomed those present ‘to celebrate the success story that is Cartoon Saloon’.
“The animation industry in Ireland has continued to soar in the past number of years, highlighted by the ongoing international success of animation studios such as Cartoon Saloon.
“There are not enough superlatives out there to describe the immense pride Cartooon Saloon has brought the people of Kilkenny. “
Mayor of Kilkenny, Peter Chap Cleere said that he was ‘particularly honoured to be in the presence of the exceptionally talented Cartoon Saloon group' and praised them on their many achievements including three Oscar nominations and numerous other awards.
“Cartoon Saloon has carved a special place in the international animation industry and Kilkenny has benefitted by becoming known on the worldwide stage as a centre of creativity,” he said.
“Kilkenny has reaped the economic benefits of the success of Cartoon Saloon who employ in excess of 200 people due to the recent joint venture between Cartoon Saloon and Mercury Filmworks in Canada in Lighthouse Studios.
“In addition, the recently inaugurated Kilkenny Animated Festival drew its inspiration from the presence of Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny and attracted both local and international visitors and will become part of Kilkenny’s calendar of festivals,” added the Mayor.
CEO of Cartoon Paul Young spoke at the event and thanked Mike Kelly and Young Irish Filmmakers for giving their generosity in giving the young artists ‘a space where we could incubate’ and for giving the fledging company ‘a legs up’ when it was founded in 1999.
Mr Young also thanked the crew at Cartoon Saloon for 'their hard words and dedication’ and praised Kilkenny for it's cultural vibrancy and creative arts scene.
“Kilkenny is a really can do town and people work really well together to make things happen,” he said.
“The best way for us to show our appreciation for Kilkenny is to put it on the silver screen and we are doing this with our next feature film, Wolfwalkers, which is set in medieval Kilkenny. This will help to draw even more eyes to Kilkenny,” he said.
Creative director of Cartoon Saloon Tomm Moore described the civic honour bestowed on the studio as ‘touching’ and ‘meaningful.’
Creative Director, Nora Twomey thanked the crew who come from all over the world and uproot their lives to work in Kilkenny for the studio and for the people of Kilkenny for welcoming the crew of Cartoon Saloon to the city.