To coincide with the Roscommon Lamb Festival on the May Bank Holiday weekend, Roscommon Drama Group are performing ‘A Lone Furrow’, a period drama, in Roscommon Arts Centre on Circular Road.
The play tells the story of Aleen Cust, the first qualified woman vet in Ireland and Britain. She had problems registering with the RCVS because she was a woman, but the Athleague-based vet, William Byrne, a council member, came to her rescue by employing her as his veterinary assistant. She eventually set up on her own in Athleague and Ballygar.
The play, of great historical interest, is written by local author Tommy Murray. The premiere of this play is co-directed by Tom Costello and Brigeen Fitzmaurice and features Tom Holian playing William Byrne, Carol Murray as Aleen Cust and Con Connolly as Fr. Conry, the meddling parish priest. The housekeeper to both William and later Aleen is played by Bernie Maher who is also the narrator and the play has a supporting cast of over 25 local actors.
The monument in front of the Old Jail in the Square, Roscommon was erected by his friends in memory of William Byrne. The play is on from the 2nd to the 4th of May inclusive and tickets are available at Roscommon Arts Centre costing €14/€12. Early booking is advisable at www.roscommonartscentre.ie or on 090-6625824.
