The All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals 2019 commenced on Friday the 5th of April when the representatives of the qualifying festivals and the top 9 drama groups along with members of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and The Drama League of Ireland along with sponsors descended on Doonbeg.
The All-Ireland Finals are being hosted for the first time in Clare by the West Clare Drama Festival which commenced with a Gala Dinner at Trump International, Doonbeg.
Guests and visitors were treated to a showcase of West Clare talent by the musicians and dancers from Hell for Leather Entertainment.
A presentation was also made to the four founding members of the West Clare Drama Festival who are still involved today namely, Cissie McMahon, Marie Shanahan , John Igoe and Murt McInerney.
West Clare Drama Festival Chairperson Rita Mc Inerney said “Amateur drama is hugely important to communities around Ireland in order to bring people together in a creative and expressive environment to showcase their talent, giving great enjoyment to local audiences. We are very grateful for the support we have received from Bostik Adhesives for their national sponsorship of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals as well as Creative Ireland through Clare County Council and LEADER funding from Clare Local Development Company.
We are also so appreciative of the businesses who continue to support us, particularly in West Clare. In addition the very discerning audiences ensure that the the groups receive a great reception each night,” she added.
The All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals have continued since Friday night with a different performance each night to large audiences. Introductions to each group and their performance along with photographs of each production are available to view on the West Clare Drama Festival Facebook page.
The last of the remaining tickets are available online at http://www.westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com or by cash, cheque or card by calling to the Doonbeg Development Office at the Community Hall, 065 905 5288 between 9.30am-4pm Monday to Friday.
The Final Night of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals 2019 takes place on Saturday the 13th when Newtownstewart Drama Group will present “Sive” at 8.00pm.
This will be followed by the Final Adjudication and the presentation of Awards with the crowning of the All-Ireland Confined Drama Winners 2019 at around 11.00pm.