Longford audiences in for a treat as Cilloe Yew Tree Players present The Loves of Cass Maguire

With just over a week to go there is quite a buzz about Cilloe Yew Tree Players' Spring production The Loves of Cass Maguire.

In their latest production Cilloe Yew Tree Players introduce Cass, the returned Yankee who explodes back into her home town and the bosom of her family with unforeseen consequences, both for herself and her community.

The Loves of Cass McGuire is the third Brian Friel play staged in Ennybegs. Philadelphia Here I Come was performed twenty years ago, while Dancing at Lughnasa was the 2018 production.

There is a very good reason why Friel is one of the foremost Irish playwrights. His gift for preserving a slice of Irish life, while drawing characters that are timeless, is unparalleled.

The emotional depth of Friel's characters is drawn lightly, allowing the audience to exist in the space and build themselves into the play.

First presented in New York in 1966 Cass is a play centred on a returning Yankee coming home after a very long period away from family and community.

The Killoe cast of Cass have worked very hard on the play. Cilloe Yew Tree Players have an excellent group of experienced actors at their disposal, and two new signings in Marie Brady and Adam McCarthy.

The title role of Cass is being played by Mary Mahon, who is no stranger to Killoe drama audiences. Her long suffering brother and his wife are portrayed by Damien Bennett and Carmel Kennedy and Mr Ingram and Trilbe, two very challenging roles to play, are performed by Sharon Finneran and Paul McCarthy.

The part of Pat Quinn is played by Michael Kenny. New recruits Adam MacCarthy and Marie Brady perform the parts of Dom and Tessa respectively, while Mairead Moorhead is playing the part of Mrs Elizabeth Butcher.

Director Pat Doherty says the group could not stage a play without the support of the dedicated and skilful group members:

“We rely on those who worked diligently to erect and paint the set, and procure all the furniture and props needed on set.

“We had Colm Hughes, Tommy Brady, Declan Rowley, Ollie Killian and Eugene Murphy on set building, John Doherty and Michael and Bridie Kenny on painting duties and Kate Pshenychna, all the way from Ukraine who very kindly painted the backdrop. Laura Doherty also helped out by designing the programme cover and posters and Nicole Rowley played her usual sterling role by being our resident photographer as well as our PRO,” Pat said.

John Fitzsimons and Susan Farrelly are the obliging stage management crew.

Julie Murphy and Ed Quinn oversee the continuity team, Susan and Eddie are two new members, while Tommy Brady and Ava Finneran are on Lighting and Sound respectively. Annita Bratten co-ordinates the make-up artists.

“We are also so lucky to have the very efficient trio of Maureen Brady, Geraldine and Liam Halpin managing booking and the ticket office for us,” Pat says.

The play runs from Saturday, March 16 to Monday, March 18. Doors open 7.30, curtain 8.00pm.

The booking line will open from today (Wednesday, March 6) on 087 2911994, but it's SMS Text only.