Write a comment
The 72nd Newry Drama Festival was launched at a press call at The Flagstaff Lodge, Newry last night, 9 March. The festival takes place in Newry Town Hall from Monday 23 until Saturday 28 March.
Chairperson Kate Carragher opened proceedings by expressing confidence that this year's festival would maintain the high standards of previous years, noting that two of the plays in the programme have already won other festivals, giving audiences an early indication of the quality on offer. She thanked the festival's patrons, sponsors and private donors, with particular acknowledgement to main sponsors the Canal Court Hotel.
Secretary; Eileen Mooney, Vice Chairperson; Kate Carragher, Chairperson and Orla
O'Shea, Treasurer. Back: Patricia Slevin, Dessie Slevin, Brendan Durkin, Anne
Keenan and Sheila Mitchell. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie
The launch was also marked by a tribute to the festival's late president, Charlie Smyth, who passed away in November 2025. Carragher said: "Charlie was the heart of the community of Newry and district and served in many public roles. He regarded the drama festival as an important community event, and we are forever grateful to him for his vast contribution. May he Rest in Peace."
Acknowledging the ongoing challenges facing arts groups in Newry, with building projects at both the Town Hall and the Arts Centre creating uncertainty around performance venues Carragher said: "As the building projects involving the Town Hall and the Arts Centre finally look as they will be commencing, all groups involved in the Arts in Newry continue to face uncertainty around finding alternative venues. I hope that these groups, including our own festival, 'weather the storm' and find suitable performance facilities until the work is completed and we can return to our own Town Hall."
She also paid tribute to the work of the festival committee, saying: "My sincere thanks to our brilliant committee and to our volunteers, a small but dedicated and hardworking band, who ensure that all aspects of the festival run to plan."
This year's adjudicator is Tony Finnegan.
The Plays
MONDAY MARCH 23RD SYLVIA
SLEMISH PLAYERS
By AR Gurney
TUESDAY MARCH 24TH THE DEAD
NEWPOINT PLAYERS
By James Joyce
Adapted by Sean Treanor
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25TH DEATH TRAP
HOLYWOOD PLAYERS
By Ira Levin
THURSDAY MARCH 26TH HEAVEN
BALALLY PLAYERS
By Eugene 'Brien
FRIDAY MARCH 27TH HANSARD
ROSEMARY DRAMA GROUP
By Simon Woods
SATURDAY MARCH 28TH DA
BUNCLODY | KILMYSHALL
By Hugh Leonard
Season tickets and nightly tickets are available to purchase online at gr8events.ie or by emailing treasurer Orla O'Shea at ooshea7512@gmail.com.
Nightly tickets can also be purchased at the Town Hall, with doors opening each evening at 7pm.
