Sligo Drama Circle’s Re-Union

The annual dinner and reunion of members of the Sligo Drama Circle and their friends, held in the Bonne Chere Restaurant, Market Street, Sligo, on Wednesday night of last week was a most enjoyable function and was attended by about fifty people. Following an excellent meal, Mr. E. A. Mc Dermottroe, who presided, welcomed all present and said they were opening their drama season and looking forward to a season of healthy competition and enjoyment, which was really the important matter. Last year was a year of definite achievement and not only did they keep the banners flying at the regional drama festivals, but they also got to the All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone and this was in no small way due to their producer, Dr. Timothy Mc Keogh, aided by a number of people, including their Chairman, Mr. Paddy Dooney. Mr. Dooney did some tremendous work behind the scenes last year and there was a great deal of credit due to him because he helped the group in many ways.

That the society had gone from strength to strength was also due to the capable and efficient work of their Hon. Secretary, Ms. Una Lappin, and their Hon. Treasurer Ms. Marie Mulvihill, both of whom had been a wonderful help. Mr. Mc Dermottroe thanked each member of the cast of last year’s production of “God’s Gentry” and said they had certainly put on a tremendous show, which had proved itself great box office. Each member of the cast and and all those others associated with the production deserved praise for their work and helpfulness. They were starting the present season on a very high note carried over from last year and he hoped that the good work would continue and that they would achieve further successes in the future.

Proposing the toast of the guests, Mr. Paddy Dooney extended a special welcome to the Mayor Mr. Eamon Tolan and Mrs. Dolan, and said they all knew the deep interest they took in the cultural life of Sligo. They were also mindful of their first show when the Mayor saw fit to attend in his official capacity and afterwards graciously received the cast in the Mayor’s Parlour. They wished to thank the Mayor and Mrs. Tolan for their kindness and encouragement to the Drama Circle. Mr. Dooney also welcomed Comdt. J. Garvey and Mrs. Garvey; Comdt. E. Gregan and Mrs. Gregan; and Mr. Tom Palmer, Editor, the Sligo Champion and Mrs. Palmer.Comdt. J. Garvey, replying on behalf of the guests, said the Drama Circle had won an enormous amount of acclaim because they had a wonderful amount of talent and they worked hard in close co-operation with each other. He felt sure that in the future they would win far more honours and achieve greater success. The Mayor said the best indication of how the Drama Circle had progressed was by the number of trophies which it had won and it was his fervent hope that the group would go from success to success and from strength to strength.

Mr. Tom Palmer also spoke. Mr. Mc Dermottroe, on behalf of the Drama Circle, presented a Waterford Glass vase to Comdt. and Mrs. Garvey and to mark Comdt. Garvey’s transfer from Sligo to Boyle and said the Drama Circle were indebted to them for many kindnesses and much co-operation. Subsequently, a most enjoyable social evening was spent.

from The Sligo Champion, October 24th, 1959