Patrice Madden, Eddie Dillon and Norma Hussey. Photograph: John Mangan
CLONLARA based Shannonside Drama Group are ready to thread the boards with their production of Sive.
John B Keane’s play had been due to be performed by Shannonside three years ago but a global pandemic disrupted the plans of the South-East Clare crew who are now delighted to have the chance to showcase their production in front of an audience.
Newport’s Tim McInerney is the director and he also plays the role of Sean Dota, he has produced several plays with Shannonside.
Aoibhe Ward Murphy was a student in St Joseph’s Tulla when the play was cut short but the Broadford woman who has the leading role is now a student at the University of Galway.
One of the founding members of the drama group, Eddie Dillon plays Thomasheen. Eddie is a dairy farmer but has competed in and won All-Ireland finals with the group. An Irish and English teacher at Glenstal Abbey, Patrice Madden plays nana, she has been involved with the group since 2017.
Ciaran O’Connell is the second dairy farmer forming part of the cast, he has been described as the life and soul of the party when it comes to rehearsals. Denis McKeown, Norma Hussey, Barry McMahon and Pat Delaney complete the cast.
After their three year hiatus, the group are hoping to have visible strong support from the public. Sive runs at Clonlara Community Hall on March 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th. Doors open at 7:30pm with the performance commencing at 8pm. Admission is €10, tickets can be booked by calling or texting 0874197517.
Written in 1959, Sive has become an Irish classic and one of the nation’s best loved plays. It is a story about a battle of generations, a country in flux, exploitation, greed, love and tragedy all told with John B’s lyrical dialogue and great Irish humour.
