The Secret of Kells creators receive Trinity European Laureate Award
Posted on: 07 October 2026
Cartoon Saloon received the award in recognition of all they have done in bringing the stories, imagination, creativity and artistic traditions of Ireland to audiences around the world.
The co-founders of Cartoon Saloon, the Kilkenny-based animation studio behind Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers, and The Secret of Kells, have been awarded the Trinity European Laureate Award for Culture and Creativity for their contribution to the arts and European culture. The award was presented to Cartoon Saloon co-founders Paul Young, Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey by Minister For Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD (all pictured below with Patrick Geoghegan on far left).
The Trinity European Laureate Award honours individuals or institutions who exemplify the European ideal. The gold medal is awarded to those whose creativity, leadership, ideas and vision enriches our shared culture and brings people together. It is organised by the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute in partnership with Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm.
Minister For Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said: “I would like to congratulate the team at Cartoon Saloon on winning the Trinity European Laureate Award. The Irish animation sector continues to build its reputation for high-quality production across Europe. Cartoon Saloon has been a leader in this sector with their creative storytelling on screen and promotion of Irish culture to European audiences. There is an appetite for audiences to discover and connect with Irish screen stories and this prestigious Trinity European Laureate Award is a recognition of Cartoon Saloon’s vision and creative talent”.
Prof. Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, said: “Animation plays an enormous role in Ireland’s film industry and has showcased so much Irish talent and creativity. In 2009, Cartoon Saloon's Oscar-nominated animated film The Secret of Kells brought to life for a new generation the story of the most famous manuscript in the Library at Trinity, The Book of Kells. For this, and for their exceptional service to European arts and culture for several decades through so many projects, they are worthy recipients of this award.”
Cartoon Saloon co-founders Paul Young, Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey said: “On behalf of Cartoon Saloon, it’s an enormous honour to receive this recognition from Trinity College. We are very grateful and looking forward to the event.”
Gary McGann, Chairman of Teneo Ireland’s Advisory Board, said: “I am delighted to see the latest Trinity European Laureate Award bestowed on such a worthy recipient. Cartoon Saloon’s international success is a testament to the strength of Ireland’s creative sector and the impact Irish talent can have on the world stage. Teneo is very proud to support the Trinity Long Room Hub and to play a part in recognising achievements of this calibre.”
The ceremony was followed by a panel discussion exploring animation, culture and Ireland’s place in the European artistic landscape featuring Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council of Ireland; Annie Fletcher, Director of IMMA; Naoise Nunn, Cultural Producer and Festival Director, and Ronan McCabe, chief executive of Animation Ireland.
Previous recipients of the Trinity European Laureate Award have included former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Professor Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection and Ibec’s Danny McCoy.
Media Contact:
Catherine O’Mahony | Media Relations | catherine.omahony@tcd.ie