In 2012, Roscrea Lions Club decided to run a Drama Festival as a fundraising venture. This proved to be very successful with large audiences attending each night. The festival took place over a weekend with two plays being performed nightly. The topics ranged from period drama through some of the “old faithfuls” to newly written modern works. With such a variety, there was something for every taste.
To aid in the selection of a winner the Lions called in the services of Dara Carolan well known in drama circles to act as adjudicator. He met with each group on the night of their performance to deliver his thoughts. He also gave a public adjudication on the final night of the festival. There was tremendous interest in the results as a prize of €1,000 awaited the winner.
When Birr Stage Guild emerged winners with their production “And They Used to Star in the Movies” the hall erupted with shouts of appreciation and applause.
The Portumna Lorrha Drama Group performed “The London Vertigo”, while Killavilla Drama Group performed “The Pawn Shop” and Ballyskenach Drama Group “The Marriage Plan”.
Above: Lions Club of Roscrea President Maurice Murphy presents a cheque for 1000 euro to Brian Comiskey representing Birr Stage Guild at the first Lions Drama Festival – Photos by Brian Redmond AIPPA Roscrea 2012