The Amateur Drama Council of Ireland is saddened by the passing of our former Chairman, Jerome Stack. We extend our sincere sympathies to his family, friends, particularly his friends in Kerry Drama Festival. May he rest in peace.He has taken his final bow and leaves us applauding loudly.
The members of Kerry Drama Festival are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of
our friend and mentor, Jerome Stack, yesterday evening.
Though we were well aware of his battles with failing health, it is a shock to face the reality that
he has left us. He had so much more to give but though his mind wished to go on, his body
could take no more. We wish him now the rest he richly deserves, Jerome was a founding member of the revived Kerry Drama Festival in 1988 and remained steadfast in steering it as Festival Director.
As recently as March this year, though unable to be
physically present, he was in constant communication with his loyal friend and associate, Aidan who picked up the reins. Though we did not see him, his spirit was everywhere. His name was
on everyone’s lips.
His role in promoting drama in Castleisland is well known and widely acknowledged through his
involvement with the Island Players, the Ivyleaf Arts Centre and Kerry Drama Festival. He was a
founding member of all three.
He also served a term as Chairman of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland and Chairman of
the Munster Council on several occasions.
He was Festival Director when Kerry Drama Festival organised and oversaw three All-Ireland Drama Finals at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee.
Jerome was a “doer” and had little time for analysis and red tape. There was work to be done.
Though he recognised and tolerated necessary formality he spared no time in discarding the
bow tie and tuxedo and rolled up his sleeves to get on with things.
His watchful eye was
everywhere and he was busy solving a problem before most of us knew it had occurred. He was
the one who put the key in the door of the Ivyleaf and switched on the lights and the one who
switched them off and put the key in the door to lock it.
To Jerome, no problem was unsolvable and nobody was indispensable. Every task had to be
faced and every job needed to be and was completed. We joked that, if we didn’t demand our
share of duties, he could make us all redundant. He never looked for thanks or appreciation
and appeared surprised if complimented on a job well done or a problem quietly solved.
To Jerome, that is what one did!
He was reliable, honest and hard-working and expected nothing in return.
It has to be recognised that, though he may seem to have been a type of Superman, we all
know that only Superman can manage without a lot of support especially from those closest to
him and Jerome was blessed to have the support of a wonderful wife in Brenda and his beloved
family.
Indeed, it must be noted that Brenda’s involvement in Kerry Drama Festival is also a vital
cog in the wheel.
To Brenda, to Deirdre, John, Sharon Sinéad and to the grandchildren of whom he was so
justifiably proud, we offer our sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
We thank you for sharing Jerome
with us and the wider community. We feel your sadness and share your loss. We know his spirit
will live on.
Suaimhneas síoraí dó anois.
rip.ie/death-notice/jerome-stack-kerry-castleisland-634997
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
I am so saddened to hear this. Jerome was a gentleman, who always welcomed Holycross Ballycahill DG to the Kerry Drama Festival through good times and bad. He possessed a genuine interest and passion for amateur drama. My sincere condolences to his wife,family,the Festival Committee and the wider drama family.
Condolences to his family and all that knew him in the wider drama world.
Condolences to Jerome’s family and friends from all in DLI. May he rest in peace. This is a lovely tribute.
🖊️ 📣 🌟ANNOUNCEMENT 🌟📣
The Joint Committee of ADCI/DLI is delighted to announce that entries for the 2026 DLI/ADCI Playwriting Competition, in Association with The Ramor Theatre are now being accepted.
Please see the rules of the competition on the links below.
🔗 dli.ie/writing-competition/
🔗 adci.ie/the-dli-adci-playwriting-award/
Drama League of Ireland
Amateur Drama Council of Ireland
Ramor Arts Centre
#playwriting #playwritingcompetition #newirishwriting #dramaleagueofireland #amateurdramacouncilofireland #ramortheatre
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👏 A round of applause for Kilmeen Drama Group!
The winners of the Abbey Theatre Award at this year's RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival, Kilmeen Drama Group wrapped their sold-out run of Ballyturk on the Peacock Stage last night.
The production also claimed Best Director, Best Actress, Best Stage Setting and the Perpetual Trophy at this year's awards.
Congratulations to the cast, crew and creative team on such a successful production! 🥳
#AbbeyTheatre #RTEAllIrelandDramaFestival2026
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations to you all Kilmeen Drama Group
Fantastic achievement by Kilmeen Drama Group! 🎭👏 Congratulations to everyone involved in this outstanding success. A special word of congratulations to our own Laura Connolly from Scoil na Buachaillí Clonakilty, whose contribution to this award-winning production makes us especially proud. What a wonderful achievement for Laura, the group, and the wider West Cork community. 🌟
Super production
On a day of fabulous weather Backstage Theatre, Longford hosted the Drama League of Ireland Convention 2026. Members of the host group looked after everyone so well.
There were representatives from groups from across the country in attendance.
Pictured is Mary Newman, Chairperson of the Drama League of Ireland, addressing the attendees.
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🎭 Break a leg to Kilmeen Drama Group aAbbey Theatreo the Peacock Stage at the Abbey Theatre this weekend.
Wishing you all a memorable experience performing on the stage of Ireland’s National Theatre. Enjoy every moment! ✨
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🎭 Thank You, Athlone
As the dust settles after the 2026 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival, we extend our sincere thanks to the entire team in Athlone for hosting such an outstanding festival.
Over nine unforgettable nights in the Dean Crowe Theatre, audiences were treated to exceptional theatre, warm hospitality and the unique sense of friendship and community that makes the All-Ireland Finals so special.
A special word of appreciation to Festival Director Michael McGlone and Secretary Doreen Holloway for their leadership, dedication and tireless work throughout the festival.
Thank you also to the volunteers, supporters and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this year’s ADCI Open Finals such a memorable celebration of Irish amateur drama.
#rtédramafest #amdramireland #amateurdramacouncilofireland #allirelanddramafestival
1 CommentComment on Facebook
A brilliant week!
2026 RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival winners announced
2026 RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival winners announced
www.rte.ie
Kilmeen Drama Group hailing from Rossmore, Co. Cork Scoops Top Award in 2026 RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival0 CommentsComment on Facebook
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Denis O' Sullivan a super piece of work
Congratulations from Sydney
congratulations Denis O' Sullivan . super win. so well deserved
37 CommentsComment on Facebook
It's only one man's opinion after all! Can't imagine any performance any better than Bridge's production of: 'Things l Know To Be True'. Got a standing ovation at Portadown Drama Festival in March and swept the decks in the awards from an English adjudicator. Must only have been a hair's breadth between 1st and 2nd.
Congratulations to all the participating groups from all at Prosperous Drama Society 🎉🎭💖
Huge congratulations to all the winners, especially my friends in Bridge Drama. A top 3 finish two years in a row, incredible achievement ❤️
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
So well deserved 👏 Congratulations 🌟🌟🌟
Comhghairdeas, great news
Congratulations again. It was wonderful to be at the Awards Night
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Niamh Power 👏👏🥂🥂
Huge congratulations Niamh Óg de Paor That's a great achievement 👏👏
Congratulations
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Sinead well deserved 👏
Well deserved Sinead. Congratulations 🎉
Congratulations Sinead, you so deserve this award 🎭👌
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
I am over the moon for my great friend. Well done pat
Congratulations
Congratulations to you Pat 👏👏👏
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Good man mark.
Congratulations Mark, two years in a row 👏👏
Well done mark great achievement 👏 💜💛
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Huge congratulations 🎉 👏🎭
Rte should record all 9 plays and show over the winter
Comhgardacas