The Ballyduff Drama Group, based in Waterford, claimed the champion’s title at the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival held in Athlone. This victory came with their performance of The Ferryman, penned by Jez Butterworth, earning them the most coveted award of the festival. This marks the second time in three years that the group has triumphed, having last been victorious in 2022 under the guidance of director Ger Canning.
John Stack of Ballyduff was bestowed the best actor award for his portrayal of Quinn Carney. Mary Colbert received recognition as the best supporting actress, while Noel Hayes were honoured for best stage management and Donie O’Sullivan for best stage setting.
The previous year saw Ballyduff earning second place for their rendition of The Welkin. In The Ferryman, the group flouted the familiar theatre adage of “never work with children or animals”, including a local infant named Páidí, a live goose and a rabbit under the spotlight.
Dalkey Players secured second place with Arthur Millar’s The Crucible, followed by the Ballycogley Players from Wexford, who performed Ray Cooney’s Out of Order, directed by their first-time qualifier Pat Whelan.
Dalkey Players are also the recipients of the Abbey Award for 2024 and they will be showcased on the esteemed Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre in the near future.
The twentieth anniversary of broadcasters RTÉ as the festival’s main sponsor came with a unique distinction, the Bride Rosney Award. A newcomer from each group received this award, which celebrates Rosney’s tenure as RTÉ’s communication director from 2002 to 2009. Recipients of these accolades were presented by Rosney’s partner, Peter McMenamin, and the winners included representatives from numerous drama groups such as Shay Hannon of Ballycogley Players, Sean Foley of Ballyduff, Sam Asaylee of Ballyshannon, and others.
Several debuts were part of the final lineup, incorporating a fresh Irish show. Penned by Sean Byrne, the theatrical piece named “Margaret” focuses on the later period of Margaret Thatcher’s life, staged by the drama group of Ballyshannon.