Presenting some of the best Longford amateur theatre in Ballinamuck

Ballinamuck's Gunner Magee Players have had a successful year since their AGMs back in May, 2025.

With big goals to produce some of the best entertainment in the area, through various fundraising efforts, community support and a dedicated rehearsal schedule, they delivered on two nights of one-act comedies which were enjoyed by the audience.

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The nights took place on December 6-7, in the ‘98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck. The seats were all prepared, the Christmas tree was up, and the group supplied programmes to each seat as to what the evenings would entail.

The group, led by Ollie Keogh, had a mixed range of experienced and new actors on the stage. With this variation of stage knowledge, the nights turned out to add to the Christmas spirit that had been happening throughout Ballinamuck, since the turning on of the lights on Friday, December 5.

At times, the hall erupted with laughter. ‘A Bit on the Side’ and ‘Dirty Business’ delivered what had been promised leading up to the event. There were laughs, strong acting and smiles.

Margaret Donnelly, James Grimes, Amy Leslie, Aidan McKenna, Ann Carthy, Darren Cunningham, Martha Bohan and Rebecca McLoughlin were familiar local faces who became theatrical stars over the weekend. Some were members from 2024 whereas new individuals had come to get involved. There had been two weekly rehearsals for this night.

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The group had “managed to purchase a new state-of-the-art stage lighting system, thanks to funding and fundraising events,” as Ollie quoted leading up to the weekend.

This new equipment added a greater professionalism to the growing drama group, which is showing signs of leading to successful years ahead.