It’s third time lucky for All Ireland winning Banteer
IT was third time lucky for Banteer Macra who swept the boards in the variety show ‘National Capers’ final hosted in Mountmellick, Co. Laois last weekend - and the terrific victory was celebrated with a rendition of local anthem ‘ The Bold Thady Quill’.
Their show, entitled ‘ On the Road Again’, produced by Donoughmore native Heather Healy, featured a dynamic combination of popular medley, music, dance and topical comedy that brought peels of applause in a fast moving 20 minute presentation.
Having been denied of outright success in the past two years, there was no stopping the talented Banteer group displaying all the facets of variety entertainment with a strong line-up parading colourful costumes with outstanding choreography intermingled with excellent song and sketch.
A strong line-up added to the enjoyment of the programme as productions from Kinsale, Banteer, Clonakilty, Enfield (Meath), Athboy (Meath) and Kilnaleck (Cavan) searched for the accolades. Fittingly, Banteer’s moment of glory arrived and it met with approval amongst supporters.
And a large attendance convened for a celebration in Banteer Community Centre on Sunday night.
Cast members included Patrick Buckley, David Murphy, Aidan Murphy, Karen Buckley, Aisling O’Keeffe, Kelum O’Connor, Ger Kelleher, Billy Herlihy and Aidan O’Donoughue.
The back stage crew comprised of Billy Murphy, Con Kelleher, Padraig O’Donoughue, Caroline O’Keeffe and Adrian O’Leary.
And Banteer fared well in the individual awards, also. A trio of Billy Herlihy, David Murphy and Patrick Buckley took the plaudits in comedy on their potrayal of a conversation between the Healy Raes and Donald Trump. And, no surprise, Heather Healy took the Best Producer Award and hailed a terrific win.
“We started rehearsals back in November, the work and dedication was absolutely brilliant. It was a real pleasure to work with the group. Special thanks to the families and friends for their massive support in the decider”, she said.
Club chairman Aidan Murphy spoke of the many hours of practice in Banteer Community Centre and Lyre Hall. “We had been attempting to win this title for the past few years. No effort was spared in search of our goal and we’re delighted to emerge on top”, he said.