First place for Belturbet playwright at Cavan One Acts

Cavan drama-loving audiences were treated to a wonderful weekend of theatre with 10 plays brought to the Festival by groups who had travelled from all over the country to perform in the Cavan Town Hall Theatre. Adjudicator Alan Howley had the unenviable task of deciding who would win points towards the All Ireland Finals in Tubbercurry in December and he charmed the audience with his concise, informative and entertaining insights.

There was jubilation in the Hall on Sunday afternoon when the winners of the Open and Confined Sections of the competition were announced. The Cavan audience was delighted to see our local Hoodwinked Theatre Group take first place in the Confined Competition with “Wildling” by Elaine Birkett – a beautifully atmospheric and haunting production that was rightfully enthusiastically received by a large and appreciative audience.

The Open Competition was won by Balally Players who had earlier performed “Bogboy” by Deirdre Kinahan - a gripping, lyrical tale of trauma, survival and hope that particularly resonated with an Ulster audience. Another high point of the Festival was the opportunity to see “Willow” - a play penned by Committee Member and Playwright Catherine Mc Kiernan which was performed by Mostrim Players.

The Festival Committee was delighted with the variety of plays on offer, the positive feedback from groups participating and with the increased audience numbers at all three sessions. They wish all the groups well for the rest of the All–Ireland Circuit and look forward now to the Full Length Festival in March 2026.