DesignWorks 'Making a Mark' Limited Edition Book. 2025
Last month DesignWorks Ireland marked a milestone moment… After 42 years, our Co-Founder, Martin Gaffney (ADVC, MBA, PRO, FIDI), retired. Over that time, Martin’s contribution, not just to DesignWorks, but to Design in Ireland, has been remarkable.
He was among the trailblazers to first establish a design studio in the early 80s, and he was the first in Ireland to be awarded an MBA in Design Management.
His career has included a glittering array of awards, both nationally and internationally, a multi-disciplinary skill-set that has spanned illustration, design, photography, design management and brand strategy - and of course - as a multi-talented, multi-instrument playing AND teaching musician.
His work leaves a lasting legacy, with Martin involved in the development of some of Ireland’s most iconic brands, including Tourism Ireland, Brown Thomas, ESB, the National Museum of Ireland, Christ Church Cathedral, Ireland's Ancient East, The Gathering, Shannon Airport, the Local Enterprise Offices, and the Irish Heritage Trust.
He was a founding member of the GDBA (Graphic Design Business Association), established to support, represent and develop the Irish graphic design consultancy sector, and he served as President of the Institute of Designers in Ireland, the largest and oldest association of Irish design professionals, of which he is now a fellow.
In 2023, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) awarded Martin with a Ceannródaithe Bardic Award, recognising individuals ‘who have made a significant contribution to traditional Irish culture’.
Later that year, his contribution to Design in Ireland was recognised by the IDI, when Martin was awarded the inaugural President's Prize by then President Mary Doherty, acknowledging an individual or a team ‘who has given significantly to the design industry’.
And fittingly, to book-end his career at DesignWorks, Martin was shortlisted for the 2025 IDI Awards in the book design category.
As he heads into his ‘new found freedom’, Martin’s only getting started ... Plans include Cycling trips to Mallorca, a return to his native Cavan to pursue painting, pastels, more book design, along with establishing art and recording studios in Killashandra… Stay tuned for more creative outputs from The Talented Mr Gaffney.
As DesignWorks bids farewell to Martin, we’re reminded of something he would often say; “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything”. Martin stands tall as an inspiration, a beacon of integrity and boundless creativity. That flame lives on in the DesignWorks team today.
He will be fondly remembered as colleague, mentor, sage, guru. And most importantly… Friend.
From DesignWorkers past and present - Go raibh míle maith agat Martin.
PS. For those still keen to work with Martin on brand projects, he’s always available for one last rodeo… Contact DesignWorks Ireland to find out more!