Not a Drama Queen in sight! The Briery Gap's 10th annual All Ireland Transition Year Drama Festival

Not a Drama Queen in sight! The Briery Gap's 10th annual All Ireland Transition Year Drama Festival

02 March 2010

The prestigious Briery Gap, Macroom, successfully hosted their 10th annual All Ireland Transition Year Drama Festival at the weekend. Sponsored by Cork County V.E.C., Macroom Town Council and Walsh Colour Print, the Drama Festival has become a huge success over the years, growing from humble beginnings to an event with a grand total of fifty six entries from forty seven schools all over Ireland.

The dramatic offerings ranged from sketches written by the students covering themes such as drink driving, drug abuse, anorexia, family violence, death, famine, mental illness and the recession. As well as excerpts and adaptations of classic dramas.

After being whittled down to just eighteen finalists, adjudicators Michael Twomey, Michelle Beamish and Geoff Gould deserve special trophies for their stamina in completing a marathon judging session, which lasted over 12 hours.

The fabulous €1,000 1st prize was won by Blackwater Community College Lismore, Co Waterford, who performed a spectacular scene from "Blood Brothers". St. Mary's Secondary School, Charleville, Co Cork came 2nd with their Workhouse drama "Voyage of the Orphans", and also won Best Costumes Award. Presentation Convent, Thurles, Co Tipperary, came 3rd with "Godspell", along with a special adjudicators award given to the character who played Jesus.

Mount St. Michael, Rosscarbery, West Cork, won the Best Non Previous Winner Award and Best Supporting Role. There were also a range of other awards throughout the night including, Best Set, Stage, Design, Lighting, Original Script, Comedy and Performance.

Many tributes were paid to the management, staff and volunteers at The Briery Gap, including Manager Anne Dunne, whose many years of dedication have nurtured the National Drama Festival from its humble beginnings.

Mayor Evelyn McSweeney believes that the All Ireland Transition Year Drama Festival is very beneficial to schools, "The festival not only helps students to perform, but to write, edit, stage, direct and appreciate drama and become educated and appreciative audiences."

 Aindrias Moynihan, Cork County V.E.C., also stated, "Education is not all about points, books and exams, it also encompasses expression, creativity and enjoyment."

The All Ireland Second Level Schools Choral Festival Finals also took place during the weekend, (Friday 26th February), with St. Mary's Secondary School, Macroom, repeating their success of 2009 by being declared winners again this year.

Adjudicator, Declan Townsend praises the choir, "Their absolute concentration was amazing and they were an absolute joy to watch and hear."

The final five choirs, from Meath, Waterford, Westmeath, Cork and Monaghan, all delighted the audience with their harmony and versatility.

Runners up by a single mark were the boys of St. Macartan's College, Monaghan, who brought another dimension to choral work with the delightful sound effects in "Circle of Life".

Minister for Education, Mr. Batt O'Keeffe T.D. stated, "The choral festival is a most valuable educational tool, promoting team work, harmony, confidence and enjoyment."

Mr Batt O'Keeffe also went on to praise The Briery Gap and particularly Manager, Anne Dunne, "The Briery Gap has made a huge contribution to education and culture and Anne has done incredibly well organising this most successful festival."

The Briery Gap Cultural Centre offers a host of entertainment to the public including, Mainstream Cinema, Music\Comedy Events, In House and Professional Theatre Productions, Pantomime, School Activities and Community fundraising events. For further details visit www.brierygap.com or call 026 41793.