It was the greatest night ever in the proud history of amateur drama in the Glenamaddy area.
There were emotional scenes in Tyrone last Saturday night – and in Glenamaddy during subsequent celebrations – as Glenamaddy Players made a piece of local theatre history by winning the All-Ireland Confined Drama title for the first time ever.
“We’re shocked, but delighted” the Director of the winning production and Glenamaddy Players’ veteran Coman Keaveny told the Roscommon People earlier this week.
“I’m so delighted for the group and for the community. There’s a 60-year tradition of drama in Glenamaddy, indeed up on 100 years in all… I’m so pleased for all the people who have been involved over the years. Those who have passed on are very much in our thoughts too at this time.”
The group have been performing Chapatti by Christian O’Reilly to great acclaim over recent months. Last Thursday night, they performed the play at the ADCI All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals in Carrickmore, County Tyrone. When the results were announced on Saturday night, Glenamaddy emerged as the overall winner.
This historic success was a timely reward for perseverance – the Glenamaddy Players have been in the last 12 All-Ireland finals, finishing either second or third in each of the past six years.
Glenamaddy Players’ success sparked jubilant and emotional scenes amongst supporters who had travelled to Tyrone for the ceremony.
Coman Keaveny says it was a very emotional night for all involved. “People have worked so hard for so many years. So it was very emotional when we were announced as the winners. Then on Sunday night there was a phenomenal turnout by the community back in Glenamaddy.”
That show of support on Sunday night included bonfires en route to Glenamaddy, with people from adjoining areas turning out to add their congratulations.
There was further recognition for Glenamaddy on Saturday night in the individual categories, with nominations for Coman Keaveny in Best Director, Paraic Newman in Best Actor, and Marie Coneran in Best Actress.
It was Coman who first suggested entering Chapatti – a play with a cast of just two – after he recalled seeing a production of the play well over a decade ago in Galway. Keen to play down his own role, Coman said he was “honoured” to have directed the Glenamaddy Players’ production. He paid tribute to the cast – Marie Coneran and Paraic Newman – and to the entire ‘backstage’ crew.
“I was amazed at the turnout on Sunday night” Coman reflected this week, while also expressing delight that the playwright, Christian O’Reilly was present at those celebrations.
“The level of emotion” he added, “I suppose we weren’t bridesmaids anymore.”
