Claremorris is set to take centre stage once again as it proudly hosts the CBE All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals, running from April 25th to May 3rd. The much-anticipated results will be announced at a gala dinner on Sunday, May 4th in the McWilliam Park Hotel, with the event broadcast live online.

Festival Director Peter McCallig shared insights into the festival’s scale:

“It costs approximately €60,000 to stage this festival. We’re thrilled that local firm CBE has come on board as sponsor. It’s invaluable to have the support of a homegrown company, and I want to thank them on behalf of the group, the town, and the wider drama community. This year’s line-up is exceptional and promises nine unforgettable nights of performance.”

In a gesture of appreciation, a reception for the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and sponsors will be hosted at La Casa Tapas and Wine, Dalton Street, on Friday, April 25th at 4:30pm. Later that evening, guests can enjoy a cheese and wine reception in the Town Hall Theatre at 7:00pm, followed by the official opening of the festival at 8:00pm, which will be performed by renowned Leitrim playwright John McDwyer.

Alongside the main competition, Claremorris will also buzz with a vibrant Fringe Festival, showcasing a rich array of cultural and creative events designed to complement the dramatic flair of the finals.

Gearóid Concannon, Managing Director of CBE, expressed his pride in supporting the event:

“We at CBE are incredibly proud to sponsor such a prestigious festival. It’s fantastic to see an event of this calibre bring so much energy, creativity, and community spirit to our town. Supporting local culture and seeing Claremorris thrive because of it is something we value deeply.”

An open draw decided the running order for the qualifying plays and the full programme is as follows:

Friday, April 25th – Enniscorthy Theatre Company: ‘The Seafarer’ By Conor McPherson;

Saturday, April 26th – Upstage Players: ‘The Weir’, also by Conor McPherson;

Sunday, April 27th – St Patrick’s Drama Group: ‘Woman And Scarecrow’ by Marina Carr;

Monday, April 28th – Sliabh Aughty Drama Group: ‘Dancing At Lughnasa’ by Brian Friel;

Tuesday, April 29th – Tinahely Variety Group: ‘Thy Will Be Done’ by Michael Carey;

Wednesday, April 30th – Clann Machua Drama Group: ‘The Snapper’ by Roddy Doyle;

Thursday, May 1st – Phoenix Players Tubbercurry: ‘Translations’ by Brian Friel;

Friday, May 2nd – Castleblayney Players: ‘The Woodsman’ by Steven Fechter;

Saturday, May 3rd – Glenamaddy Players: ‘Class’ by Iseult Golden and David Horan.