Drama Circle Criticised By Corporation

Sligo Drama Circle were bitterly attacked at Monday’s meeting of Sligo Corporation, even though the body agreed to make a contribution towards the proposed theatre for Sligo. The Co. Manager said a meeting had been held with the Drama Circle regarding the Corporation’s contribution and the figure of £25,000 had been mentioned. Cllr. J. Scanlon said he would object strongly to the Corporation making such a contribution to the Drama Circle. “We had a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the local Feiseanna and we did not receive one entry from them”, he added. Ald. J. Fallon was another who didn’t think the Drama Circle’s request was a realistic one. “I have been trying to get things done for years and I can’t get them. I am 100% behind making some contribution to the theatre, but I think £25,000 is a bit much”, he said.

Ald Kay Guinane, who has been associated with the Drama Circle for many years, was also critical of their lack of support for local events. The Drama Circle competed in many competitions in towns throughout the country, but they never supported the local Feiseanna. It was pathetic in recent years because there was no co-operation from the Drama Circle at all. There was no doubt, the Drama Circle had contributed a lot to the Irish Theatre, but it was time they started supporting their local Feiseanna and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “Three year’s ago, I tried to get a float from the Drama Circle into the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and only two people turned up to give me a hand. There is complete apathy among them. I would say to them to look up what they can do for Sligo instead of looking to what Sligo can do for them”, she remarked. She was in favour of establishing a theatre for Sligo but thought it would be better to erect a small theatre, perhaps as part of the proposed sports complex.

Cllr. Michael Carroll said the rate payers would be hit if the Corporation contributed to the theatre fund. They would already have contributed to the fund by supporting fund-raising events and it would not be the function of the Corporation to hit them again, he said. Deputy Ray Mc Sharry said he felt the Corporation should give the Drama Circle a commitment that they would make a contribution, but not say what amount they would be able to give. Cllr. Declan Bree said he thought the figure of £25,000 was taken out of context. He was aware that the Drama Circle were going to raise 83% of the cost themselves and any group that were prepared to raise that amount deserved to be supported.

from The Sligo Champion, May 7th, 1976