Longford drama group to host AGM in historic surrounds of ‘98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck

The Ballinamuck-based drama group, Gunner Magee Players, is hosting its annual general meeting  in the ‘98 Memorial Hall on Wednesday, May 14 at 8pm.

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The Gunner Magee Players is open to everyone to join. Whether it be acting, directing, backstage, front-of-house or back-of-house, it welcomes various experience levels.

Having launched last year, the idea for a local drama group was conceived in Christmas 2023. By April 2024, an exploratory meeting took place with 12-14 attendees, who all bounced off ideas, which eventually led to a May 2024 AGM, the first official AGM. 

The group organised a number of fundraisers, including a Halloween Fancy Dress quiz night and they also received generous donations from businesses in the Drumlish and Ballinamuck area. 

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In December 2024, Gunner Magee Players performed two one-act plays called ‘What’s for Pudding?’ and ‘Last Tango in Ballinamuck’, comprising nine actors, where seven of them had never had stage experience before. 

Both plays were written by David Tristam, an English writer. The current chairperson, Ollie Keogh, directed ‘Last Tango in Ballinamuck’ while Sinead McCormack directed ‘What’s for Pudding?’- both never had directing experience prior. The performances were very successful and well received by sell out audiences. 

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The Gunner Magee Players are open to new members joining all the time and they hope to see you at Wednesday’s AGM in the ‘98 Hall. This year, they plan to present more productions in December, and anyone that has onstage or offstage experience are most welcome. 

As the chairperson Ollie Keogh, explained: ‘It may take a village to raise a child,’ this group wants many surrounding places to get involved as it is a fantastic pastime when winter starts approaching. 

With plenty of opportunities to have fun, this local group will provide hands-on experience, good company and plenty of worthwhile performances to participate in and be a part of.