ATU graduate wins 2025 Conor Farrell Design Award for innovative marble cabinet
23.06.2025
County Kerry design student Liam O’Flaherty has been named the 2025 recipient of the Conor Farrell Design Award, which recognises student creativity and excellence at ATU Connemara. The award was created in memory of the late Conor Farrell through a collaboration with Farrell Furniture.
Originally from Kilmoyley in County Kerry, Liam impressed the judging panel with his statement piece, ‘The Split-Stone Cabinet’, which combines functionality with striking aesthetic appeal.
The piece was part of a final year brief at ATU Connemara, requiring the integration of Connemara Marble into a furniture product. Liam’s concept evolved from an initial idea to emulate a natural break in stone, which became the defining feature of the design.
“Connemara Marble is often referred to as the ‘Gemstone of Ireland’,” said Liam. “It’s a highly symbolic and valued Irish material, so I was very excited to get the opportunity to use it in a project.”
Strongly influenced by mid-century design, the clean, minimalist form of the cabinet serves as a canvas for the Connemara Marble to stand out.
“This is not just a functional cabinet but a showcase of the beauty of Connemara Marble in an untraditional way, which is what I feel makes it so unique. I owe great credit to Brendan Joyce of Joyce’s Marble Quarries and Lamont Stone, who helped manufacture my design to the highest standard.”
Liam was presented with the accolade by Paul Farrell of Farrell Furniture and becomes the fifth different recipient of the Conor Farrell Award, following 2024’s winner, Melissa Shiel.
When asked how it felt to win, Liam said, “It’s a brilliant feeling to have my piece acknowledged with this award. It’s my highest achievement to date since I began making furniture and it gives me great confidence in my own abilities.”
Jeremy Madden, Chair of Furniture Design and Manufacture at ATU Connemara, has over 25 years’ experience in education and the furniture industry. He praised Liam’s passion and dedication throughout the project.
“It was a real pleasure to work with Liam on this project. What stood out in his work was his ability to allow Connemara Marble to speak – balancing structure, story and surface with care.
Liam’s approach was both restrained and confident and I’m so pleased to see this honoured by the Conor Farrell Design Award.”
Having recently completed his studies at ATU Connemara, Liam plans to establish his own workshop and begin a professional career in furniture design.
