GRANAGH PLAYERS:
History:
Granagh Players were formed in 2008 and the first production undertaken was ‘Sive‘, directed by Mary Liston, Banogue, (nee Noonan, Granagh). Many of the cast and crew were ex-Macra Na Feirme members and had taken part in many Drama and Light Entertainment competitions, back in the day – and our director for those shows was the very same Mary Liston.
Mary was founding member of Granagh Macra and thanks to her we enjoyed many years on stage, learned an awful lot, travelled all over the country and made many friends. We had often spoken about reviving the Drama group and when Mary agreed to come back and produce Sive, all the crew got back together again. The Macra Na Feirme was a great basis for the drama group because we all knew each other so well and nearly always got-on together!! Each year we try and recruit new members to participate, either on or off-stage, which makes it much more interesting for our audiences and unearths many hidden talents. We have discovered artists, dressmakers, musicians, photographers, computer experts along with wonderful actors, all in the parish too. They all give their talents freely to help out with the productions.
The funds we raise go back into keeping our community centre open and refurbishing it as required. Since we got back together we have been overwhelmed by the support we get from our parish and the wider community. It has created a wonderful community spirit, which we hope continues as well as highlighting our community centre as a very valuable facility.
We have a small organising committee who do much of the background work but we could not undertake six or seven nights of drama without the help of all our volunteers. Each year we are indebted to the many generous people, local and otherwise, who provide sponsorship and donate excellent raffle prizes for each night of the play. It is a pleasure and a privilege for Granagh Players to perform when you have such a supporting community.
Each year we donate monies to local charities/worthy causes. So far we have supported:
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St. Itas, Newcastle West
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Rathfredagh Cheshire Home
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St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville
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Drumcollogher Respite Centre
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Hospital Sacre Coeur, Haiti
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The HOPE Foundation
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TLC4CF
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Alzheimer’s Unit, Adare
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Granagh National School
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Colaiste Na Trocaire, Rathkeale
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Trauma Ward & Oncology Ward, Regional Hospital
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Autism Unit, Liskennett
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Milford Hospice
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Bumbelance
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Treaty Warriors Disabled Hurling & Camogie Group
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Parent's Association, Granagh National School
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Autism Unit, Liskennett. (2)
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Granagh/Ballingarry Bord na nÓg.
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Granagh Utd. F.C.
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Granagh/Ballingarry Camogie Club.
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House Fire Fund - Stapleton Family.
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Building Bridges Book Scheme - Granagh Nat. School.
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Children's Grief Centre - Sr. Helen Culhane.
Thanks to the generosity of our patrons, up to 2018, we have raised a total of €29,300. for these worthy causes.
List of Productions
2008 ‘Sive’ Produced & directed by Mary Liston.
2009 ‘Poor Beast in the Rain' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2010 ‘The Field‘ Produced & directed by Mary Liston.
2011 ‘The Shaughraun ' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2012 'Tarry Flynn' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2013 'London Assurance ' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2014 'The Honey Spike' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2015 'The Buds of Ballybunion' Produced & directed by Jim Chawke.
2016 'Second Honeymoon' Produced & directed by Jim Chawke.
2017 'The Hostage' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2018 'The Chastitute' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2019 'The Informer' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
2020 'The Government Inspector' Produced & directed by Jimmy Sheehy.
Sponsors
We are deeply indebted to the our sponsors who have been more than generous each year. Our cast and committee receive a copy of this list, so that we can support the sponsors whenever possible. Thank you to each and every one.
Click here for the 2020 Sponsors List
Click here for the 2019 Sponsors List
Click here for the 2018 Sponsors List
Click here for the 2017 Sponsors List
Click here for the 2016 Sponsors List.
The Chastitute - by John B. Keane - 2018: