Ardagh Players to perform compelling Irish drama
Ardagh Community Players who will perform Walter Macken’s “Home is the Hero” this Thursday and Friday in Ardagh Community Centre. Seated, from left: Sean Doherty, Grace Timlin, Cathy Flynn, Ria Loughney and Joan Ruttledge. Standing, from left: Tommy Kilroy, Oisin Finan, Dermot O’Boyle, Dolores O’Boyle and Eoin Flood.
Ardagh Community Players return to the stage with their forthcoming production of the compelling drama, , by Galway playwright Walter Macken for a two-night run this Thursday and Friday, March 6th and 7th, commencing at 8pm nightly in the local Ardagh Community Centre.
First performed in 1952, this play offers a gripping exploration of family, pride and the difficulties of reintegration after imprisonment.
Set in a small Irish town, the play follows Paddo O’Reilly, a man returning home after serving five years in prison. He expects to find his family unchanged, but is instead met with a new reality – his wife, children and community have moved on without him. The story unfolds with intense emotions, conflicts and a struggle for acceptance and redemption.
was first performed in Ardagh as a fundraiser for Rathnamagh National School in the 1970s. A stage was erected in the Master's classroom in the school with just enough seats to guarantee full houses each night.
The group is delighted to bring this powerful drama to life again in Ardagh and hopes audiences find it thought-provoking and engaging.
A big thank you is extended to everyone in the community who helped in any way to bring this production to the stage and a special mention to the children and principal of Ardagh National School who have also helped out with a musical contribution.
The cast this year includes familiar faces: Tommy Kilroy in the lead role of Paddo O’Reilly, Joan Ruttledge (Paddo’s wife), Seán Doherty (Trapper), Dolores O’Boyle (Bid), Dermot O’Boyle (Dovetail), Cathy Flynn (Mrs Green), Oisin Finan (Willie O’Reilly), Eoin Flood (Manchester Monaghan) as well as two new members, Grace Timlin (Josie O’Reilly) and Ria Loughney (Lily Green). The director is John O’Hora.
Walter Macken was an Irish writer, actor and playwright known for his deep exploration of Irish identity, history and social issues.
was his first play to be performed at the Abbey Theatre and later became Ireland’s first television play.
Doors open at 7.30pm on each night and the show gets underway at 8pm.
