The cancellation of the All-Ireland Drama Festival, due to take place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, from Thursday, April 30 to Friday, May 8, with the presentation of awards ceremony closing out a national celebration of the arts, on Saturday, May 9, is a major casualty within the town and its environs as the COVID-19 crisis detrimentally impacts on numerous facets of community.
An annual feast of drama, which benefits Athlone both economically and culturally, this cancellation is certain to impact upon local hotels, restaurants and bars, who feel the presence and warmth of theatre aficionados from across the island during Athlone’s premier event on the social calendar.
Reflecting upon the decision, Festival Director, Regina Bushell, stated that the need to protect public health and safety was paramount in such unprecedented circumstances.
“It is with deep regret that we are announcing the cancellation of the 2020 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival. We can only imagine the disappointment of the drama groups and circuit festivals.
“This decision is taken based on safety guidelines from the Government and the Health Service Executive. We are sorry that the Covid-19 Virus has brought us to this decision but in the national interest and to play our part we are taking this action.
“Please take care of yourself and comply with HSE guidelines during these unprecedented times and remember “Ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid” – “we live in the shadow and the shelter of one another,” Ms. Bushell remarked.
