Scart drama group to stage Sharon’s Grave at heritage centre

THIS year’s stage production from the Scartaglin based Sliabh Luachra Drama Group is Sharon’s Grave by John B. Keane.

The play will open at the village heritage centre this weekend and run over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 3rd, 4th, 5th and on the following weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10th. 11th. and 12th; curtain up nightly at 8pm sharp.

“We’re delighted to be staging a John B. Keane play again. It’s been four years since we did one of his plays and they always, always go down so well with our audiences,” said group spokesperson, Moira Hughes.

“Sive, The Year of the Hiker and Moll have been our three previous John B. productions. A fantastic playwright who uses wonderful humour to captivate his audiences from beginning to end - it is always so enjoyable to play one of John B. Keane’s characters.

“Sharon’s Grave is a powerful play. It’s the second play he wrote after he had completed Sive and we can see a lot of similarities between the two. We are delighted to have a cast of 11 again this year. We have a few familiar faces and we are delighted to welcome a new member on stage as well and the play will be directed by Nora Walsh,” said Moira.

Based around the Conlee household. Trouble is brewing as Donal Conlee takes to his deathbed. His lonely daughter must fight for her land and protect her brother against the scheming of their malignant cousin.

It’s a story of land-lust, mystery and folklore is a classic tale, set against the rugged landscape of Ireland in the 1920s. The cast is as follows: Donal Conlee: Thade Hickey; Peadar Minogue: Tim Dineen; Trassie Conlee: Moira Hughes; Neelus Conlee: Danny McClure; Dinzie: Freddie Galvin; Jack Conlee: John Walsh;

Mague: Mary Fleming; Moll: Joan O’ Connell; Woman one: Mairéad Cronin; Tom Shaun: Sean McGuire; Miss Dee: Geraldine Piggott and Pats Bo Bwee: Dermot O’ Leary.

We are very fortunate to have a fantastic team of people involved again this year. We have a very hard working cast and back stage group. Its because of these people and the people who help out over the six nights - front of house, the heritage centre staff and our wonderful sponsors that have made our group go from strength to strength.

Bookings can be made on: 087 24 34 000. Admissions: Adults €10 and concessions €8. Make sure that you book early to help avoid disappointment.

Photo by John Reidy Sliabh Luachra Drama Group members: Tim Dineen, Moira Hughes and Mairéad Cronin preparing for their parts in the John B. Keane play, Sharon’s Grave which opens at Scartaglin Heritage Centre on Friday night at 8pm.