Write a commentNewry Drama Festival’s Diamond Jubilee Dinner took place in the Canal Court Hotel on Sunday last.
Mayor Charlie Casey speaker at the event said "I wish to extend a hearty Cead Mile Failte to each and every one of you to this wonderful occasion to mark 60 years of Newry Drama Festival. I welcome especially those who have travelled a distance to join in the celebrations. I warmly welcome the Guest Speaker, Adrian Moynes, Secretary- General of RTE. and I look forward to hearing him speak later tonight.
It is quite an achievement to attract a man of this calibre to participate in your celebrations and here I congratulate Gerry McNulty and his team on the exciting Programme of Events on offer, to mark this very Special Occasion.
I also look forward to the presentation of “Oscar Wilde” by our friends, Matt and Stephen, from Dundalk Theatre Workshop. I see Cathal Austin, representing the main Sponsor, the Quays, here tonight along with many other supporting Sponsors. I read the Sponsors Display Stand on the way in and it speaks volumes of the esteem in which this Festival is held. I am also aware of the fact that Newry Drama Festival attracts the top Dramatic Societies from all over Ireland to participate in the Festival.
Newry is one of 36 Preliminary Festivals and a win at Newry means that the Group is in contention for a place in the RTE All-Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone. The Festival has a reputation as being one of the best Festivals in Ireland It is renowned for looking after the visiting Groups by way of expenses and hospitality.
Many of these groups will stay overnight and return for the final weekend to hear the Adjudicator’s results and the Presentation of Awards, thus contributing to the economy of the area. The financial backing received by the Festival ensures that these high standards can be maintained, the Press coverage, which the Festival is receiving, must mean that they are doing something right.
