Second run for 'The Shooting of Moore O'Ferrall'

It's a story spanning Longford, Cavan and Leitrim, featuring a murder, oppression and justice all densely packed into an enthralling piece of theatre from the pen of a Longford writer, writes Thomas Lyons.

'The shooting of Moore O’Ferrall' is an adaptation of the historic events leading to a fatal shooting at Lissard House, Edgeworthstown in 1935.
From a time when fenianism and unfair landlordism collided as evictions, disease, starvation and extreme poverty were the lot of the common man.
The story takes place as the residents of Sanderson’s Estate took it upon themselves to stand up to, Gerald More O’Ferrall, the social climbing landlord renowned for the unfair treatment of his tenants.

 A clipping from a newspaper at the time.

Obnoxious, self-righteous, intolerant and womanising More O’Ferrall was the archetypal villain, but the story focuses on the fatal injury to an innocent man, and the subsequent court cases.
Playwright Pauline Flood said the story demanded a theatrical telling: “I carried out in-depth research on the story, as well as having spoken to the families, neighbours and locals of those involved. I soon learned that there are many accounts and variations of what actually took place in the run up to, and on the night of the shooting.”
The show returns to stage due to popular demand: “We have some excellent actors from Mostrim plus actors from the Bea Masterson group in Legan and some from Longford also.
This serious piece of drama is directed by Vanessa Flood, who has added her own touch of music, song and dance plus a couple of joyous comical pieces to the production,” Pauline told the Celt.
Denn resident Vanessa is the daughter of the playwright. Overseeing a cast of 38 was just one of the challenges of the role: “Directing a group scene with a large number of people can be difficult, you have to balance one voice against 37, but they are all great actors.”
Last staged in May the show was such a hit with audiences that they are back for two more nights: “There's a lot of excitement among the cast now.
We have had to build up to the momentum we had the last time out.
There are three new members in the cast, and they have brought a fresh new feel to the piece,” the director said.
Vanessa feels this run of the show will be even better than the last: “This time around we have a more 'prepared' show. The first time we did it we were not expecting the reception that we got to it.
This time everyone is working so hared to achieve the standard we were at.”
'The shooting of Moore O’Ferrall' will be staged in Backstage Theatre Longford on Thursday September, 5 and Friday September 6.