Anne Doyle launches All Ireland drama finals
A LARGE crowd gathered in Kenny’s Corner House in Carnew on Friday night as long-serving newsreader for RTÉ Anne Doyle officially launched the 2018 Bostik All Ireland Confined Drama Finals.
This is the first time the All Ireland Drama Finals are being hosted in county Wicklow and many businesses and volunteers have been busy to help make the festival a memorable event.
The excitement is building for the South Wicklow Drama Festival Committee members as they prepare for the event, which will take place from Friday, April 13, until Saturday, April 21, in St Brigid’s Hall, Carnew.
Ms Doyle, who was born in Ferns, said she was delighted to be in Carnew because she has a special connection with the area. Her mother Elizabeth Kavanagh is from Ballingate and spent her early years growing up in Carnew. During her visit, Ms Doyle paid a visit to the location of her mother’s home place.
The All Ireland will bring nine of the best plays in the Confined Section. The Adjudicator will be Tom Byrne from Kildare, who has over 30 years experience with amateur dramas. Tom has been adjudicating since 2011 and has won numerous awards as a director.
At the launch, the committee said they have organised an exciting calendar of fringe events to help make the festival a special week for visitors.
The events are: Saturday, March 31 – Details of the 2018 Confined Drama finalists will be announced; Monday, April 3 – Bookings for tickets are open to the public on 087 698 5275 (no texts); Friday, March April 13, to Saturday, April 21 – Art exhibitions from 4 p.m., in Carnew Community Care and in Robert’s Garage; Friday, April 13, until Saturday, April 21 – Photographic exhibition in Carnew Training and Development Centre; Friday, April 13 – Opening Dinner in Colaiste Bhride followed by the opening in Loughlin Deegan at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 14 – guided walk in Tomnafinogue Woods at 12.30 p.m.; Sunday, April 15 – Tea and music in Coollattin House from 1.30 p.m.; Wednesday, April 18 – Poetry afternoon in Carnew Library at 2.30 p.m.; Thursday, April 19 – a talk by Dr Nicholas Bielenbery in Carnew Training and Development Centre; Friday, April 20 – golf outing in Coollattin Golf Club, and a collection of drama through movement at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 20 – walk in Timnafinogue Woods at 12.30 p.m.; Sunday, April 21 – craft fair adjacent to St Brigid’s Hall from 10 a.m., until 4 p.m.