Local Notes: Claremorris Musical Society returns to stage
Members of Claremorris Musical Society who will stage 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' later this month.
Members of the award-winning Claremorris Musical Society (CMS) are preparing to return to the stage with their 19th production, bringing the magical world of to the stage from Wednesday, January 28th to Saturday, January 31st.
This latest show follows the outstanding success of the society’s 2025 production of , which further strengthened CMS’s standing as one of the leading amateur musical theatre groups in the region. That production received national recognition at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards in June 2025, where CMS picked up two awards. Mary Dempsey was named Best Comedienne for her portrayal of Grandma, while Ruadhán Gormley claimed Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as Lurch. Notably, CMS was the only society in the west of Ireland to secure two awards on the night, marking a significant achievement for the group.
With that momentum behind them, the society felt the time was right to present another joyful, uplifting production. was chosen for its warmth, nostalgia and universal appeal. The musical tells the story of young Charlie Bucket, a kind and humble boy from a poor family who wins a much-coveted golden ticket granting him entry to the mysterious chocolate factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka. Along with four other children - each with very different personalities - Charlie embarks on a magical journey filled with extraordinary inventions, colourful characters and surprising twists. At its heart, the story delivers a timeless message, reminding audiences that imagination, honesty and kindness are the greatest rewards of all.
Based on Roald Dahl’s much-loved story, the musical includes familiar songs from the classic Gene Wilder film, along with new, high-energy numbers that bring added excitement to the stage. Bursting with colour, humour and charm, the production promises a fun-filled theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Speaking ahead of the show, CMS chairperson Vivienne Lee praised the dedication shown by everyone involved in bringing the production to life.
“This show represents months of hard work, commitment and passion from our cast, production team and backstage and technical crew,” Vivienne told the . “The level of effort that goes on behind the scenes is extraordinary, and it’s inspiring to see people of all ages come together with such enthusiasm. is a super production and we are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.”
The production is being guided by an experienced and highly regarded team who have been working closely with the cast since September. Claremorris Musical Society is delighted to welcome back Donna Ruane as Director, Deirdre Lee as Musical Director, Jay Molyneux as Choreographer and David Keane as Stage Manager. Their combined expertise and vision continue to raise standards and ensure another polished and professional CMS production.
This year’s show features a large and talented principal cast drawn from across the county. Leading the cast is Neil Conway as Willy Wonka, alongside Ryan McDonnell as Charlie Bucket, David Alexander as Grandpa Joe and Mary Dempsey as Mrs Bucket. They are joined by Nicole Scott (Mrs Gloop), Ódhran Morley-Manning (Augustus Gloop), Joff Manning (Mr Salt), Hazel Cheevers (Veruca Salt), Paul Singleton (Mr Beauregard), Abbie Flatley (Violet Beauregard), Vivienne Lee (Mrs Teavee), Michael Farrell (Mike Teavee), Rose Murphy (Cherry Sunday), Ailbhe Gallagher (Geri Jubilee), Josie Gallagher (Grandma Georgina), Ronan Egan (Grandpa George), Mairead McDonnell (Grandma Josephine) and Donna Ruane (Mrs Green). The principals are supported by a large and energetic ensemble, adding scale, colour and excitement to this family favourite.
Claremorris Musical Society continues to grow, and this season has seen the welcome addition of many new members. The inclusion of younger performers as Oompa Loompas and Divas has brought a fresh energy and vibrant dynamic to the group, enhancing the appeal of this family-friendly production. The society looks forward to welcoming audiences of all ages to enjoy the show throughout its run.
As always, CMS acknowledges that its success would not be possible without the ongoing support of the local community. The society extends sincere thanks to local businesses, clubs and organisations for their continued sponsorship and encouragement, whether through advertising in the show programme or donating prizes for fundraising events. That community support remains central to everything the society does.
runs at Claremorris Town Hall from Wednesday, January 28th to Saturday, January 31st, with nightly performances at 8pm and a matinee on Saturday at 2pm. Tickets are available now from www.townhall.ie or by contacting the Box Office on 094-9310999.
Claremorris Golf Club recently hosted its New Year’s competition, with strong entries across both the ladies’ and men’s categories and some excellent scoring on the day.
In the ladies’ section, Sara Creighton claimed first place with 27 points, while Florrie Campbell secured second spot, also finishing on 27 points.
The men’s competition produced impressive scores, with Derek Reilly taking overall first place on 37 points. In Category Two, Tyler Bacchus emerged as the winner with 36 points, while Gabriel Farragher topped Category Three, also posting 37 points.
The club extended its congratulations to all the prize-winners and thanked everyone who took part in the competition.
Claremorris AFC is inviting supporters of all ages to a double dose of quiz-night fun at the McWilliam Park Hotel on this Friday, January 23rd, with both adult and junior Sports Quiz events planned.
The main Sports Quiz Night promises an entertaining evening of sporting trivia and friendly competition, with teams of four invited to take part for €50 per table. It’s an ideal social night out for friends, colleagues or teammates, and a lively atmosphere is expected.
Earlier on the same evening, a Junior Sports Quiz will take place for young sports fans aged 10 to 14, offering a fun and welcoming introduction to quiz nights and a chance to enjoy a bit of healthy competition with friends.
The club has thanked its members for their continued support and is encouraging strong attendance at both events.
Joe Burke was the winner of the Claremorris FC 50/50 draw last week, receiving €477. Joe bought the winning ticket in Warde’s and was congratulated by the club on his success.
Claremorris FC extended thanks to all who continue to support the draw, with proceeds helping to fund player development and ongoing improvements to club facilities. Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs.
A Mount St Michael Secondary School student is celebrating national success after claiming a major award at the first-ever Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
Dana Carney, a fourth-year student from Claremorris, won first place in the Intermediate Individual section of the Health and Wellbeing category for her research project, 'Secure Hands: Evolving Real-Time ISL Translation for Critical First Responder Communication (A Refined and Extended Study)'. She received her award from Ray McGrath, Chair of the Judging Panel from Stripe.
Dana’s project focuses on improving real-time Irish Sign Language translation, with the aim of enhancing communication between first responders and members of the Deaf community in emergency situations.
The Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is one of Ireland’s leading student science competitions, showcasing innovative research and technological projects from secondary school students nationwide. Almost 2,000 projects were submitted, with 550 shortlisted for exhibition at the RDS in Dublin over four days earlier this month.
Stripe was announced as the new title sponsor of the prestigious event last year, taking over from BT, which had sponsored the exhibition for 25 years.
Mount St Michael Secondary School had 14 students competing at the event. The students have spent recent months developing their hypotheses and analysing data.
Tom and Bridie Jordan were the winners of Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,046. The winning Loyal Blue ticket was drawn, and the club congratulated Tom and Bridie on their success.
Claremorris GAA expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Tickets remain available online and from local shops and pubs.
The death has occurred of Breege Gibbons (née Dever) of Mayfield, Claremorris, and formerly of Lettertrask, Keenagh, Ballina. Breege passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Mary.
Breege is deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her loving husband Eamonn, sons John and Eamonn, daughters-in-law Jessica and Siru, brothers Dennis and Richard, sisters Marie and Martina (Ryder), nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Breege’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, on Monday evening, January 12th. Funeral cortege arrived at St Colman’s Church on Tuesday last for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery, Claremorris.
May she rest in peace.
