New play exploring migration from Mayo to Bellewstown during the 1940s to debut on Friday
A new play based on the 1940s migration from Mayo to Bellewstown will be performed in Bellewstown School on Friday, August 18th.
The play, produced by Bellewstown Heritage Group, tells how on April 12th, 1945 four families assembled on Castlebar train station.
The concert, featuring a new play by local playwright, Sheila Scanlan, takes place in Bellewstown School on Friday 18th August at 8pm.
The Joyces and Corcorans were from Killyvally near Westport while the other two families, the Nolans and Flynns, were from Cluaintibrid near Turlough.
There was excitement and great expectations at the prospects awaiting them in The Rudder, Bellewstown.
A half-set was danced on the platform to the music of Harry Flynn on the accordian.
But there was also an air of sadness at leaving so many relatives and friends behind.
Bellewstown Heritage Group is now in the final stages of preparation for its Heritage Week presentation, Out of the West, an exploration of Land Commission migration from Mayo and Sligo to Bellewstown in the 1940s.
Amongst those taking part in the local production is Joe Flynn, now in his 80s, who was among the original group who travelled from the West and who will recite a poem about migration on the night.
Through poetry reading, songs, drama, music and dance, the theme of leaving the west of Ireland in hopes of a better future will be explored by the heritage group.
Claire McGing, lecturer in Maynooth University, will discuss how the women from the west coped with the transition.
Soprano JoAnn McComish, well-known local singer Sean Collier and musician Pat Joyce will perform on the night.
Sheila Scanlan’s new play Out of the West explores the migrants’ sadness at leaving friends and family and how they adapted to a new life in the village of Bellewstown.