Askamore marks centenary year
THE killing of James Corcoran from Brideswell in St Stephen’s Green during the Easter 1916 Rising, was one of the more hard-hitting and moving elements of the Askamore Pageant which played for four nights at St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew, recently.
The stories of the children caught up in the conflict were also particularly poignant.
The ambitious production ‘Seven Men, Seven Days’, written by Davy Donohoe, featured a cast of 35 adults and 35 children who brought the events of 1916 to the stage through story, song, verse, and images.
The first half focused mainly on the historical context, both local and national, which set the Rising in motion, while the events at the GPO, in Enniscorthy, and battles at St Stephen’s Green, Mount Street Bridge, and North King Street, were also brought to life.
The pageant drew to a close with the execution of seven of the rebel leaders; a reading of ‘Easter 1916’ by Yeats questioning whether those involved were heroes or villains; and a performance of ‘Mise Éire.’
The production was greatly enhanced by a musical selection devised by Noel Eccles. There was high praise too for director Michael Byrne, and the author Davy Donohoe. Kevin McEvoy was on lighting, with Paddy Byrne on sound, and Mary Donohoe responsible for the images used.
Tributes also went to the teams involved in stage management, as well as those responsible for props, wardrobe, make up, and front of house.