‘Patrick’ sells out Rathmore venue in 1916 tribute piece
AS the wave of 1916 inspired events continues to swell across the county, the successful musical drama ‘Patrick’, written by Rathmore scribe, Aidan O’Connor, brought the house down at Rathmore Community Centre last weekend. Such was its appeal a fourth night was added due to popular demand.
“It has received a great reception and there’s a lot of work involved especially given the musical aspect involved in the production,” explained Aidan.
The play vividly captures the story of Rathmore patriot, Patrick O’Connor, a civil servant in Dublin prior to the flames of Irish nationalism taking hold.
The stage drama depicts the heroic and emotional final hours of Patrick’s life as he fights in the GPO in Easter 1916, only to be gunned down in Moore Street. For the locals of Rathmore, the play also serves as a valuable history lesson.
A feature of the play is the contribution of its many local actors and musicians who offer a powerful portrayal and evocative finale to Patrick O’Connor’s life as he dies alongside fellow Kerry man, The O’Rahilly.
“It’s fantastic for the locals in Rathmore, as many of them would not have known who Patrick O’Connor was before now,” Aidan continued.
“I spent a great deal of time researching his life, his activity and what motivated him, including research in the Military Archives,” he added.
The Rising is all the more fascinating when the national story is given a local voice and it was fitting that members of Patrick O’Connor’s family were VIP guests at the premiere, describing it as an “enthralling” production.