Excitement Builds As Four Wexford Drama Groups Prepare For National Stage

Wexford is set to make a dramatic mark on the national stage as four local drama groups head to the All-Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone in the coming weeks. Bridge Drama Group, Ballycogley Players, Wexford Drama Group and Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group have all earned their place in the open section of the competition, a remarkable achievement for the county. The prestigious All-Ireland finals will take place at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone with performances scheduled throughout the first week of May.

The four directors joined Alan Corcoran this morning in studio to discuss their journey to the finals. Linda Hynes of Wexford Drama Group, Brigid Scully of Ballycogley Players, Kieran Tyrell of Bunclody Kilmyshall and Myles Sunderland (who was standing in for director Susan Somers) of Bridge Drama spoke about their experiences, excitement and the hard work that led them to this point.

The competition will take place from April 30th to May 8th, with each group performing on different dates:

• Wexford Drama Group will take to the stage on May 1st with their production of Someone to Watch Over Me, by Frank McGuinness.

• Ballycogley Players will perform All My Sons by Arthur Miller on May 4th.

• Bridge Drama will showcase Things I Know to Be True by Andrew Bovell on May 7th.

• Bunclody Kilmyshall Drama Group will present Da by Hugh Leonard on May 3rd.

Each group has worked tirelessly to perfect their performances and are eager to represent Wexford on the national stage.

The directors spoke with pride this morning about their group’s achievements. Linda Hynes, who directed Wexford Drama Group to the finals for the first time in the open section, shared her gratitude for the support she’s received from her mentors, including Paul Walsh and Stephen Byrne. She also expressed a deep respect for the other groups from Wexford, acknowledging that while everyone wants to win, there is a strong sense of camaraderie between the groups.

“It's a competition, but I think we celebrate each other’s successes, it's amazing that we have four groups from Wexford competing in the All-Ireland finals and I wish everyone the best of luck on this incredible journey.”

Brigid Scully of Ballycogley Players echoed this sentiment, noting that while the competition is fierce, there’s a sense of mutual support among the groups. For her, directing All My Sons was a personal journey and it has been a dream come true to bring the production to the national stage.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” said Scully. “The story is so powerful and it resonates with people today. I can’t wait for everyone to see it in Athlone.”

Myles Sunderland, stepping in for Bridge Drama’s director Susan Somers, highlighted the strong tradition of drama in Wexford. With the county hosting four festival circuits—Gorey, Wexford, Kilmuckridge and New Ross—Wexford’s drama scene has long been recognized for its talent and commitment. Sunderland, who has directed Bridge Drama to success in both the confined and open sections in the past, emphasized the importance of festivals in nurturing new talent.

“We are so lucky to have such a rich drama tradition in Wexford. It raises everyone’s game and creates an incredible support network,” said Sunderland. “The work done behind the scenes by volunteers, set builders and committee members is crucial to our success and it’s what makes these groups so strong.”

Kieran Tyrell, Director for Bunclody Kilmyshall, shared similar sentiments. His group is performing Da, a play by Hugh Leonard, a writer with deep ties to Wexford. The production has been well-received on the festival circuit and Tyrell is looking forward to bringing the play to Athlone.

“It’s such an honor to be part of the All-Ireland finals," said Tyrell. "I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a group and we’re excited to take Da to the next level.”

Best of luck to all four Wexford groups as they take to the national stage!

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