High emotion as Tullylease Drama Group packs ‘em in with Keane classic

VOLATILE scenes of hatred, love, and the complexities of family relationships were wonderfully portrayed by Tullylease Drama Group who staged ‘ The Year of the Hiker’ over five nights to capacity crowds in the local Community Centre.

This is the 23rd production from the talented group who have done justice to various theatrical genres over the years.

A tragicomic story of unrequited love set in the 1960s, the play tells the story of The Hiker Lacey who left the family home to take to the roads. He returns unexpectedly on the day of his daughter’s wedding to the consternation of the family he abandoned 20 years previously.

Hannah O’Connor. who played Kate Lacey, told the Corkman that the group has staged several John B Keane plays over the years. “We were going to do this one about 13 years ago but hadn’t the cast at the time. Some original members are still involved so we finally decided to do it this year, it’s one of the more challenging plays with a lot of emotion,” Hannah said.

Rehearsals have been ongoing since January and Hannah paid tribute to everyone who helped stage the production. In addition she thanked all who attended over the five nights. “What keeps us going is the appreciation of the people,” said Hannah.

Cast: The Hiker Lacey - Sean Biggane; Freda - Sheila O’ Keeffe; Simey Lacey - Joe Collins; Mary Lacey - Eileen O’Keeffe; Joe Lacey - Patrick Larkin; Kate Lacey - Hannah O’Connor; Dr. Willie Dolly - Michael O’Connell.

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald. Eileen O’ Keeffe, Hannah O’ Connor, Sean Biggane, Patrick Larkin, Michael O’ Connell, Sheila O’ Keeffe and Joe Collins staged The Year of the Hiker at Tullylease Community Centre.

Gillian and Marian Clarges, pictured with local girl Katie O’ Gorman, travelled from Dublin to see Tullylease Drama Group’s production of ‘The Year of the Hiker’. RIGHT: Gobnait and Donal Murphy made the shorter trip from Rockchapel to enjoy the show.