Drama group sweeps the boards at festivals

A CLONLARA drama group literally swept the boards at two drama festivals last weekend picking up an impressive eight awards.
Shannonside Drama Group scooped four awards each on the One-Act circuit in Kilmallock and Birr, which has practically assured them of a place in the All-Ireland final before they participate in three other events.
In addition to winning the award for best play in the confined section, Eddie Dillon and Eilish Casey won top honours for their performances in Landscape by Arnold Porter at Friars Gate, Kilmallock. Pauline Moloney also brought home the trophy for best director.
The following night in Birr, Eddie and Pauline were again judged as the best actor and director while the adjudicators decided to give a special award to Eilish Dillon, as there was no category for best actress. Their production also won an award for best play on the night.
Eddie Dillon said the group is delighted with their success over the weekend.
“We have won a number of awards before but this is the first time we have won eight trophies over one weekend, which is something special,” he said.
The group will also participate in other drama festivals in Haulbowline, County Cork on November 13, Dunmore Galway on November 14 and Doonbeg on November 21.
Landscape tells the story of a husband and wife whose relationship and communication has broken down over the years.
Playing over three nights, with three one-act plays each night, the 20th annual Festival of One-Act Drama at Kilmallock featured groups from Cork, Wexford, Clare, and Dublin, as well as Shannonside Drama Group.
The play Less Than a Year by Helena Enright reached the All-Ireland One Act Drama final in Tubbercurry Sligo in 2008, placing fourth, while Eddie Dillon won an award for best actor in Doonbeg that year.
Shannonside Drama Group was co-founded by Eddie Dillon and Noel Galvin in 2004.