‘It’s like reaching the Holy Grail’: Glenamaddy Players celebrate historic All-Ireland title

The Glenamaddy Players are still in celebratory mode after making history on Saturday night by being crowned winners of the ADCI All-Ireland Confined Drama finals for the first time in their 54-year history.

Their production of ‘Chapatti’ by Christian O’Reilly took the top award at a gala ceremony held at The Patrician in Carrickmore, County Tyrone.

“It’s absolutely massive - it’s like reaching the Holy Grail,” said Cllr Peter Keaveney, chairperson of the Glenamaddy Theatre Festival.

“We’ve probably reached roughly 20 All-Irelands, and we’ve got seconds and thirds over the years so this is a huge, huge honour for all involved. It’s also great for everyone who has treaded the boards with Glenamaddy Players over those 54 years,” said Peter, who has been involved himself with the amateur drama group for over 40 years.

Made up of more than 30 members, the group draws on people from Glenamaddy and surrounding areas, such as Williamstown, Ballymoe and Castlerea. The winners were met with a huge reception when they arrived in Ballymoe and were then followed to Glenamaddy where large crowds turned out to welcome them home. Playwright Christian O’Reilly also attended the homecoming to congratulate the group.

Peter paid tribute to play director, Coman Keaveny from Glenamaddy; the cast, Marie Coneran (a Kilkerrin native living in Ballymoe) and Padraic Newman from Castlerea, along with the entire production team who all contributed to the historic success.

Coman, Padraic and Marie were also nominated on Saturday for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress respectively.

Glenamaddy Players will now perform ‘Chapatti’ on the opening night of the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival at the end of the month.

‘Chapatti’ tells the story of Dan, a lonely widower living in Dublin, and his dog Chapatti, who symbolises his grief after the passing of his wife. When Dan encounters Betty and her 19 cats, an unexpected spark forms between them, leading to a warm and gentle narrative about rediscovering love and connection in life.