Compántas Lir

Compántas Lir was founded in 1982 and is based in Claregalway, Co. Galway. Each autumn they run a successful supper theatre. The group, which has enjoyed considerable success on the Festival circuit since 1986, has qualified for the All Ireland Confined Finals on a number of occasions. 

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Ballycogley Players

Founded in 1974, the players perform One-Acts in The Wexford Arts Centre during the annual Wexford Opera Festival. They have had much success on the Three-Act circuit, qualifying for the All-Ireland many times, coming second last year in Tubbercurry with “Same Old Moon” by Geraldine Aaron.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Holycross/Ballycahill

In existence for well over thirty years, the group has competed and won many festivals all over Ireland. We have reached the All-Ireland Confined Finals on many occasions, picking up several directing, acting and setting awards along the way. We have performed and staged critically acclaimed productions from “Sive” by John B. Keane, “Run For Your Wife” by Ray Cooney to “Murder in the Cathedral” by T.S. Eliot.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Phoenix Players

Based in Tubbercurry in South Sligo, the Phoenix players was formed in 1945, just two years after the first Western Drama Festival which celebrates its 60^th anniversary this year. The group has performed in the festival circuit over the years with notable success throughout the 1980’s, qualifying for Confined and Open Finals. Throughout the 1990’s, the group concentrated on big shows at home, including a mammoth passion play and a number of hugely successful musicals. Now firmly back on the festival circuit with successful productions of “Drama at Inish” and “Autumn Fire” in recent years, we pride ourselves on presenting plays at the highest level, always with a view to entertaining the most important group of people in any theatre – you, the audience.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Creggan Drama Circle

Creggan Drama Group was formed back in 1882. Re-established in 1994. Started to compete on the Drama Festival circuit in 1997 with “The Black Stranger”. Reached the All-Ireland Finals in 2000 with “Dancing at Lughnasa”.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Clanabogan Drama Circle

From a rural community near Omagh in Co. Tyrone, the group was formed in February 1998, with their first production being “Moll” by John B. Keane. Successive years of participation on the Festival Circuit with plays, such as, “The Country Boy” (J. Murphy), “ The Patrick Pearse Motel” (H. Leonard), brought much success. This year, the group has finally made the breakthrough and qualified for the Confined Finals. With an eye to traditional drama and family entertainment, the group has become a popular and regular addition to many festival programmes and audiences.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Melting Pot Theatre Group

The Melting Pot Theatre Group was formed seven years ago. Performances to date include “Bouncers” by John Godber in 1996, “Philadelphia Here I Come” by Brian Friel in 1998 and “The Field” by John B. Keane in 2000. This is their first year to appear on the festival circuit.

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Kilrush Drama Group

Kilrush Drama Group was formed in 1964. It has performed plays by Moliere, Tenesse Williams, Brian Friel, John B. Keane and A.A. Milne. The group won the One-Act All-Ireland Finals in 1979 and has appeared in nine Three-Act All-Ireland Finals including last year’s.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Boolavogue Drama Group

The present Boolavogue Drama Group was re-formed in the early 90’s and although the group is very small we have enjoyed ourselves over the years, putting on many successful productions. We have qualified for the All-Ireland Finals with our last eight productions winning it in Tralee and we took the runner-up spots in Claremorris and Ballyduff. We are very privileged to be given an opportunity to perform this year in Gorey; we hope you enjoy our play !  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Silken Thomas Players

The Silken Thomas Players were set up in 1991 and this will be their thirteenth year on the drama circuit. They won the All-Ireland the first year out with “Stags and Hens”, were placed second with “Bent and Hatchet” and last year came third at the All-Ireland Drama Finals with “Angels in America”.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003

Baileboro Drama Group

The group was founded in 1995 by a small number of people and we produced our first play on the circuit “Wild Harvest” directed by Patraic McIntyre, one of the founder members. The following year we put on “Red Roses and Petrol”. The year later we performed “Poor Beast in the Rain”. In 2000 we produced “Philadelphia Here I Come” and in 2001 we performed “Last Apache Reunion” managing only one show due to Foot and Mouth. We have been lucky enough to reach the All-Ireland Finals almost every year and have been very successful on the way picking up many individual and group awards over the years.  

Their path to Gorey 

All Ireland Confined Finals 2003