All Ireland winners on the Shercock Drama Festival bill

Tonight (Thursday, March 14) sees the start of a week of - what promises to be - thrilling theatre at the 36th Annual Shercock Drama Festival.

Eight groups from Tyrone to Wexford and Galway to Dublin make up an intriguing and varied programme for the week, with something to suit everyone. Four groups will contest the Open section; while the same number compete in the confined section, all aiming to secure a place in their respective All-Ireland Finals.

The Festival opens with 'According to Rumour' by award winning British playwright Robert Scott. The hilarious farce is being performed by Cornmill Theatre. Carter can’t exactly remember what happened last night, but a semi clothed woman in his flat and a bag of money in his fridge is not easily explained. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Castleblaney Credit Union.

Friday, March 15 see’s Bridge Drama Group from Co. Wexford perform “The Wake” by Tom Murphy. Set in small town Ireland in the '90s, Vera O’Toole returns from New York for the funeral of her beloved grandmother, where she discovers her family have been keeping secrets from her. Can Vera come to an understanding of her life and family? This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Hearing Care Clinics.

On Saturday, March 16 Galway’s Glenamaddy Players bring Bruce Grahams “The Outgoing Tide” to the Shercock stage. Set in a summer cottage on the banks of Chesapeake Bay, tormented by the menacing grip of an aging mind and with an uncertain future ahead, one man has a plan - but it’s not what his family had in mind. This touching family drama is kindly sponsored by Link Credit Union.

Sunday, March 17 the Bunclody/Kilmysahll Drama Group take to the stage with “The Lonesome West” by Martin McDonagh. This hilarious black comedy is the story of warring brothers Colman and Valene living together, whose dad just died in a shotgun accident. Finding it impossible to live without violent disputes over the simplest of things, where will it end? This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Niamh Smith T.D.

Monday, March 18 sees Lislea Dramatic Players, Co. Armagh and their production of “Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling take to the stage. “Steel Magnolias” is a hilarious and touching story of six women set in a beauty parlour in Louisiana. The story tells us of how the women cope with their conflicts over three years. This night is kindly sponsored by James R Frazers.

Tuesday, March 19 neighbours, Castleblaney Players stage a new production, “No Going Back” by local playwright Joe Hanratty. “No Going Back” tells the story of two brothers who took part in the War of Independence, both carrying scars of the years of conflict. This poignant story is kindly sponsored by Cllr Aiden Fitzpatrick.

The Festival takes a break on Wednesday March 20 to accommodate Shercock’s popular weekly Bingo night.

Thursday, March 21 sees the return of Newstownstewart Theatre Company. The Tyrone group will perform “The New Electric Ballroom”, a play written by Enda Walsh which tells the story of three sisters living in a remote fishing village in Ireland, obsessed by memories of something resembling romance. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by McEvoy Pharmacy, Shercock.

Friday, March 22, closing night sees the return of the 2023 All Ireland Open winners, Dalkey Players from Dublin to Shercock. Having won the Cavan Drama Festival their presentation of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller is eagerly awaited. The story of the salem witch trials set in Massachusetts, one man's fight to save his identity in a repressive puritan community. This night of theatre is kindly sponsored by Cllr Sarah O’Reilly.

Then it’s down to Adjudicator Geoff O’Keeffe to decide the destination of the Tabetex Trophy, presented to the winners of the Open Section and the Fr Patsy Young Trophy sponsored by Angretia Ltd, awarded to the leading group in the Confined Section.

Running until March 22, the festival will be opened by Liam Hannaway, Chairperson of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI). The ADCI is the voice for amateur drama across Ireland. Liam has a long involvement with drama and has been the winner of several acting and directing awards on the circuit over many years.

Closing the festival is Fiona Coll, principal of St. Patrick’s National School, Shercock. Fiona is a qualified Speech and Drama teacher and is also chairperson and PRO of neighbouring group Aisteoiri Mhuinchille.

Shercock Drama Festival committee is extremely grateful to Tabetex Ltd for the part they have played as main sponsor of the Festival since its inception. Sincere gratitude is also extended to Cavan County Council, Angretia Ltd, McNally’s Centra Shercock and Newbliss, Sillan Tours, Tom O’Brien, The Bridge Tavern Canningstown, Duffy’s Costcutters, Roe Oils, Audrey’s Beauty Rooms and all sponsors listed in our colourful programme.

A season ticket (8 nights) is great value at €80, while a four night ticket is available at a price of €45. Nightly entry €15 and tickets are available at the door. The 8pm start time is strictly adhered to with no admittance during the performance.