Allow me to be the first [almost!] to congratulate Sean Treanor and his powerful Newpoint team on their fantastic achievement at Athlone.  Having only recently been placed second in Ulster, and receiving a late entry to the All-Ireland, it is a wonderful achievement to come THIRD overall against highly-talented opposition.

I know there is some disappointment, for many – including the majority of audiences at Athlone – expected Portia Coughlan to triumph.   

In fact it was another Marina Carr play, On Raftery’s Hill that won, and second place went to King of the North Road.  Still of the ten awards on offer, Newry won a fantastic FIVE including

Best Actress                       Patricia McCoy
Best Supporting Actress        Geraldine Fitzpatrick
Best Stage Management        Newpoint
Best Set                             Newpoint
Gor’town Scholarship             Denise Hughes, Newpoint.

I know that the whole cast – and indeed the company – will be inspired to even greater efforts – and results – next, and in future years.  At the danger of repeating myself, this is one of the best teams ever to come out of Newry.  Hollywood [Sean, that is] would be so proud of you all!

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