The Gunner Magee Players promises two side-splitting plays for Longford audiences

The Gunner Magee Players of Ballinamuck have been working hard leading up to this year’s performances. Having two rehearsals per week, the group, which launched in 2024, has plenty to look forward to in 2025.

This year, they will be performing two hilarious one-act comedy plays: “Dirty Business”, a Derrick Webb play and directed by Ollie Keogh; and “A Bit on the Side”, a Tony Layton play and directed by Chris Donohue.

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The plays will be performed on December 6-7 at 8pm,in the ‘98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck.

Chairperson of the group, Ollie Keogh, commented the following:

“It’s our second year in existence, and we decided to stage two more one-act plays as a follow-up to our very successful plays last December.

“As a relatively new group, we feel that one-act plays are a great way to get novice actors used to performing on-stage.

“Last year, we had a cast of nine people between two plays; seven had never acted before. They took it like a duck to water, producing two fantastic nights of comedy that were well-supported by a full-house on both nights.”

This year, Ollie revealed that the group had managed to get new members, as well as familiar faces from last year.

Receiving the help of the community, the group has started to build on its amenities to make a more ambitious production.

“We have managed to purchase a new state-of-the-art stage lighting system, thanks to funding and fundraising events. So, this is our first time using them,” said Ollie.

With the Longford arts scene expanding in several locations, producing high-quality, original pieces, Ollie encourages everyone to come and see all the efforts that have been made.

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“Ballinamuck is the place to be to witness these two side-splitting plays that are guaranteed to leave you laughing. To add to the occasion, the village will be all in the festive colours of Christmas, with their Christmas lights and the new village tree all lit up.

“We would encourage everyone to book their tickets via the booking line by text or WhatsApp to 089 949 3100.”