Wild celebrations as Bailieborough Drama Group claim All Ireland title

Bailieborough Drama Group overcame "ferocious" competition to claim the title of All Ireland Champions this weekend.

The group staged a flawless performance in the The Moat Theatre, Naas of an original drama, Dying Minutes, by group member Liz O'Hanlon.

This is the third time that the group has reached an All Ireland final with one of Liz's plays, previously achieving second place on both those previous outings with 'The Sacred Heart's Right Hand Man' (2016) and 'Smile Handsome' (2018).

Dying Minutes focuses on a group of Monday morning drinkers in a Cavan pub with Liz's writing brimming with empathy.

In addition to the group's win, Conor Shaffrey also had the honour of taking the Best Actor accolade, having been one of three actors shortlisted for the accolade alongside fellow Bailieborough colleague Fergal Donnelly.

Adjudicator Imelda McDonagh (ADA) was blown over by Bailieborough's production of 'Dying Minutes', and emphasised that such was the level of competition that whoever emerged on top were truly "champions".

Liz O'Hanlon, who also has a minor role as Roxy in the play, said the group had good preparation with their tech run through that morning and then put in a flawless performance which was very well received by the audience.

"We had a great show, we were delighted and felt we had left it all on the pitch.

"The feeling going out was that if we can put on our best show it was there for the taking - I know that's the same for every group."

Such was the extent of their celebrations, the announcement of the Open section winners was actually delayed by some minutes.

"We were just on top of the world. It was fantastic, it was beautiful."

For more reaction, see The Anglo-Celt newspaper on Wednesday.