Dancing at Lughnasa plays to full houses at St Patrick’s Hall
Image 1 of 19
Dancing at Lughnasa by the Delvin Valley Drama Groups went down well with local audiences.Image 2 of 19
Mary Clune, and Willie and Linda Kenny took their seats early.Image 3 of 19
Keith Lynch and Jude Heary in early for the show.Image 4 of 19
Maura Drum and Mary Cully from Delvin.Image 5 of 19
Nuala Brennan, Jean McGovern, Veronica Brennan representing the Lighthouse Drama Group in Kells.Image 6 of 19
Claire Kenny, Ann Ayres and John Ayres settling in for the show.Image 7 of 19
Bridie Monaghan (front of house, wit h Kay Gaffney) and Michael Murphy (MC), in period costume. The sewing machine Bridie and Kay had with them depicted the glove factory where people worked at that time; and Michael as parish priest was to give the impression of local power, the person who decided what happened in the community. Both ideas were from Colette Lynch.Image 8 of 19
Niall and Deirdre O’Neill looking forward to the performance.Image 9 of 19
Jimmy Smyth from Bohermeen, Deirdre Doyle from Navan, and Keith Nealon from Navan.Image 10 of 19
Kevin and Kate Gildea from Oldcastle.Image 11 of 19
Charlie Smyth, Angela Smyth, Richie Lucas, Pauline Lucas and Declan McCann.Image 12 of 19
Lisa Malone from Athboy and Shirley Cully from Delvin.Image 13 of 19
Linda, Joe and Jerry Flynn from Delvin.Image 14 of 19
Josephine Moran, Mary Kiernan, Olive Moran and Hubert Moran looking forward to a good evening.Image 15 of 19
The crowd at Delvin Hall for Dancing at Lughnasa.Image 16 of 19
Cast members Lynzi Delaney, Shauna Martin, Carmel Moran, Mick Roban, Hayden Morrissey Lorraine Ledwith and Feilim O’Neill.Image 17 of 19
Cast members Maria McElgunn, Johnny Lynch and Joan Powell.Image 18 of 19
Lynzi Delaney on stage with Lorraine Ledwith.Image 19 of 19
Carmel Moran on stage as Maggie Mundy.The Delvin Valley Drama Group enjoyed an amazing success over the weekend of April 24–26, as their production of ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ played to full houses in St Patrick’s Hall, Delvin. Preparation that began in September, culminated in a theatrical experience that left audiences moved and entertained.
The play was directed by Patricia Ronayne, with artistic direction by Colette Lynch, and under the leadership of chairperson Feilim O’Neill and supported by the committee, every detail was shown in impressive detail.
Brian Friel’s much-loved play, set in County Donegal in 1936, tells the story of the five Mundy sisters, Kate, Maggie, Agnes, Rose, and Christina, as they navigate the complexities of family life, love, and survival. The story is told through the reflective narration of Michael.
Visually, the production for the play was outstanding. The set design was a well-crafted 1930s Donegal cottage complimented by Ray Cullen’s sound, and lighting by Kevin Matthews, Aidan, and Ger added hugely to the atmosphere, bringing every scene to life.
With more than people attending over the weekend, audience feedback throughout was positive, many praising the high standard of the play and its balance of humour and music.
A representative of Delvin Drama Group said: “There are far too many people to thank, but this was a true community effort. Most importantly, the cast who told this story, Carmel Moran, Feilim O’Neill, Johnny Lynch, Shauna Martin, Maria, Mick Roban, Lynzi Delaney, Lorraine Ledwith and Hayden Morrissey, from building and painting to sourcing and supporting, everyone played their part, and you know who you are.”
A special thanks was given to the committee, especially Michael Leonard and Emily King, and to Gerry Flynn and Bernard Ivory for their work on the stage extension. As well, thanks were given to Bridie Monaghan, Kay Gaffney, Michael Murphy, and Paul Casserly for a warm and welcoming front of house. “To the cast, for their dedication under Patricia Ronayne direction, and to Joan Power for her quiet, steady guidance behind the scenes,” said Colette Lynch.
In addition to its artistic success, the production also raised awareness for the Friends of the Regional Hospital Tullamore, which added a layer of community spirit to the production.
As the curtain fell on Sunday’s matinee, it was clear that Delvin Valley Drama Group had achieved something special, and their production of ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ will be remembered as an amazing evening of theatre that combined powerful storytelling with outstanding performances. “And finally, without an audience, there is no show, so thank you to all who came and supported us. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did,” said Colette Lynch.
Follow the society on their social media pages #thevalleydramagroup; their AGM is scheduled for this month; date to be announced soon.
The cast:
Michael Óg – Hayden Morrissey
Fr Jack – Mick Roban
Michael – Feilim O’Neil
Gerry Evans – Johnny Lynch
Kate Mundy – Patricia Ronayne
Maggie Mundy – Carmel Moran
Agnes Mundy – Lorraine Ledwith
Chrissie Mundy – Shauna Martin
Rose Mundy – Lynzi Delaney