Creativity, Connection and Reflection Take Centre Stage at ‘What Matters Most’

17 Feb 2026

A vibrant new exhibition of prints by UCC’s first-year (2024–2025) Occupational Therapy students has opened in the Jennings Gallery, where students have created prints reflecting on the theme of ‘What Matters Most’.

Organiser Sinéad Moynihan, Lecturer, Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, in our School of Clinical Therapies said: “The prints on display are the output of the 1^st Year Creative Occupations and Health Module. As part of this module, students engage in a six-week printmaking course at Cork Print Makers to truly explore creativity from a hands-on perspective. Each year, students explore creativity through a central theme. In response to this year’s theme, What Matters Most, 37 students offered diverse and deeply personal interpretations. While many prints depict family, pastimes, nature and pets, each work carries its own distinctive and reflective resonance”.

Sinéad Moynihan invited occupational therapy student Kailey O’Shea to share her reflection "A Perfect Penny", Kailey's print and reflection encouraged us to see what matters most is love for family and siblings.

For more inspiration, students' reflections can be found in our Exhibition Catalogue.

Guest Speaker Clare O’Reilly, Clinical Manager at Jigsaw, North Fingal, Co. Dublin centred her inspiring keynote speech on the many forms of love as being a central component to ‘What Matters Most’. Clare also shared Jigsaw's five simple actions proven to help with your mental health and wellbeing; Connect, Learn, be Active, take Notice and Give. Concluding her speech with a poem by Marianne Williamson’s "Our Deepest Fear", Clare encouraged people to let their own light shine and to allow others to do the same.

‘What Matters Most’ remains on display in the Jennings Gallery until April. We invite you to step into the space and take a moment to slow down, to connect and to reflect on the people, passions and experiences that matter most in your own  life.