All-Ireland win for Coolgreany
It was a case of fifth time lucky for Coolgreany Amateur Dramatic Society, as it secured the coveted first place in the confined section of the All Ireland One Act Drama Festival finals in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
‘Something Unspoken’ by Tennessee Williams, was directed by Ned Dempsey and starred Sally Stevens and Maggie Murphy. The Harlequin award for best performer went to Maggie.
Adjudicator Padraic McIntire told a packed An Grianán theatre that Maggie gave a beautiful performance, and said that Sally, who was also nominated for the award, was ‘nothing less than a superb actor.’ He was also full of praise for director Ned Dempsey and described the presentation as ‘stunning.’ The play was nominated for the best presentation award.
This is the fifth time Coolgreany has reached the finals, and secured third, second, third, and second, respectively. The win sees the society move to the open section of the competition next year.
‘We are absolutely thrilled,’ said Sally. ‘It’s sort of surreal. We have worked so hard. It’s like the end of a five-year journey. We’re over the moon.’ Some 14 cast, crew, and supporters travelled north for the Saturday-night performance.
The winning play will be given an encore performance locally in January, while the Christmas comedy ‘Many Happy Returns’ will play at St Mogue’s Hall on December 17, 18, 19, 28, 29, and 30.