Musical theatre nominations for Cavan and Monaghan societies

Róisín McManus

Two local musical societies have been nominated for the prestigious Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards, recognising prowess in amateur musical theatre.

Tullyvin Musical Society (TVMS) has been nominated for four AIMS awards for their 10th anniversary production, ‘Made in Dagenham’, and the North East Musical and Dramatic Society (NEMS) in Carrickmacross has also received a nomination for their recent production of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’.

Jenny McCabe from NEMS was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Heidi Hansen in ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, a part that challenged her to step into the role of a mother to a child with mental health issues. The Carrickmacross society’s production of Dear Evan Hansen was a premiere held in Castleblayney’s Íontas Theatre. While she feels it is “so lovely” to be recognised by AIMS, feedback from a mother experiencing similar circumstances who felt like she was “watching her own life unfold on stage” meant the “absolute world” to Jenny.

“That’s the highest compliment you can get,” the seven-time AIMS nominee told the Celt.

“Yes, it’s beautiful to be recognised, nominated for an award by an adjudicator but I think audience feedback and feedback like that from people means the absolute world, and that’s why we do what we do.”

Jenny, who grew up in Milltown and now lives in Trim, had wanted to play the role of Heidi since seeing the show in the West End many years ago, and was “really excited” to act in this production.

Although she has been involved in musical theatre for 20 years, Jenny describes herself as a late starter having first participated at 23 years old. Recalling there were no such opportunities for her growing up in Cavan, Jenny thinks it’s “amazing” to see Cavan and Monaghan “come up in the ranks” in the musical society scene.

TVMS most recent production, ‘Made in Dagenham’, went to stage in October and has recently been recognised with four national award nominations, Best Programme; for a programme designed by local woman Sinéad Smith, Best Stage Management; acknowledging the hard work of local man Stephen Hannigan, who is a previous winner in this category, Best Front of House and the Spirit of Aims Award; acknowledging the strength and community shown by TVMS in a show week touched by loss. Chairperson Jackie McQuillan and Aiveen Sexton, who played two principal characters, were both sadly bereaved in their personal lives that week.

For TVMS, their nomination recognises the girls’ incredible strength in stepping on stage through grief and loss and the society’s unwavering support.

“Success is not always measured by what happens on stage; often, it’s what happens backstage that matters most,” a spokesperson from TVMS said. “This nomination reflects compassion, resilience, and a society that stood together, lifted one another up, and found strength when it was needed the most.”

The 2026 AIMS Awards will take place from June 12-14 in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney.