Esther McCarthy's arts highlights of 2016

Our regular arts/ents writers select their personal highlights of the year

Film

The emergence of the new wave of Irish cinema: Our multiple nominations at the Oscars indicated that Irish cinema was having a moment, but what is really encouraging is how new voices have built on that throughout the year. From Peter Foott’s hilarious and charming Cork-set comedy The Young Offenders to Darren Thornton’s gritty and female character-driven A Date for Mad Mary to the vibrant young cast of Sing Street and many others, it’s exciting to see the sheer variety of breakthrough talent.