Triumphant homecoming for All-Ireland champions

They know a thing or two about staging plays in Ballyduff. Not for the first time, representatives from this west Waterford village came back from Athlone with the biggest prize in amateur drama - an All-Ireland title.

‘Athlone’ is where all drama groups want to be, as participants go head to head with the best in the business. Given the accolade that’s come their way, it can be stated that Ballyduff Drama Group are among ‘the best in the business’. As reported on last week, the production that delivered so spectacularly for B.D.G. was ‘Rabbit Hole’.

Entirely fitting then, that they celebrate in some style and this they did in their spiritual home of St. Michael’s Hall last Sunday night. Still on a high after their midlands exploits, this was a chance to sit back and reflect on what was a remarkable achievement.

M.C., Richie Walsh, said he ‘had nothing but admiration’ for the group.

“This has been hard earned, any All-Ireland title is, tremendous credit is due to all concerned, it was a fantastic team effort. Ballyduff Drama Group did themselves proud and they deserve all the plaudits that have come their way,” he said.

Geraldine Canning, an individual, who has done and seen it all at the highest level of amateur dramatics, highlighted the sense of unity and belief that saw them through from first rehearsal to a night of glory in the Dean Crowe Theatre.

“There was unbelievable belief among the group, I’m immensely proud of what they’ve done, they are a magnificent team,” she said.

Hugh Collins, another individual who has served the cause so well, gave an insight into what required to succeed at this level.

“We started this project in January and committed to giving it everything, 3,700km (distance travelled by the group) later we’re back here tonight with an All-Ireland title. It’s a remarkable success story,” he said.

SAVOURING THE SPOTLIGHT

Pressure is part and parcel of delivering an All-Ireland winning performanace. That pressure was off last Sunday night, as family and friends of Ballyduff Drama Group basked in the glory of a triumph that marks them out as ‘the very best in the business’.

Ahern) (Pic: John TWO TITLES FOR FAMILY GUY JOHN: John Stack, celebrating with his talented daughters, Ruby, Molly and Emily at last Sunday’s night’s homecoming party in St. Michael’s Hall, Ballyduff. John was also involved with Ballyduff Drama Group when they won the All-Ireland in 2004 with ‘On Raftery’s Hill’.

(Pic: John Ahern) The cast and crew of ‘Rabbit Hole’, who had a homecoming party in St. Michael’s Hall last Sunday night, to celebrate their All-Ireland success.

(Pic: John Ahern) Seanie, Niamh and Grainne Barry, with Ellen Quirke (left) at last Sunday’s night’s party in Ballyduff.

(Pic: John Ahern) Part of last Sunday night’s celebrations in Ballyduff were, l-r: Patricia Carroll, Pat Flynn, Mary Walsh and Kay McCarthy.