As the All-Ireland Drama Festival continues to entertain enthusiasts nightly in the surrounds of the Dean Crowe Theatre, the return of the stellar occasion to Athlone was lauded during the opening ceremony in the Hodson Bay Hotel, a venue synonymous with the origins of the prestigious amateur drama showcase.
Addressing those in attendance, Festival Director, Ms Regina Bushell, noted how “fitting” it was the the opening night pre-theatre reception was hosted in the Hodson Bay Hotel.
“How fitting it is to host the opening ceremony of the festival sponsored by the Hodson Bay Hotel which was formerly owned by Patrick J Lenihan one of the three co-founders of this prestigious event.
“Thanks to the resilience and tenacity of the drama groups and the circuit festivals, Athlone is delighted to welcome nine drama group finalists delivering the magic that is live theatre to the highest standard,” Ms Bushell enthused.
Referencing the 70th edition of the All-Ireland Drama Festival, Athlone Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, stated that the week long occasion was now synonymous with the town of Athlone.
“Now in its 70th year I could never see the RTE All Ireland Drama Festival take place in an alternative location – this festival has a unique history here that cannot be bought or replicated elsewhere.
“The RTE All Ireland Drama Festival is to Athlone what tennis is to Wimbledon, what jazz is to Cork and what oysters are to Galway. This is our festival and we cherish it,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
The Mayor complimented the work of the numerous volunteers whose sole goal each year is to ensure a Festival which lives in the memory of those who visit Athlone.
“Volunteers, past and present, deserve huge credit for the planning, dedication and professionalism that goes in to delivering a festival to the standard that we have become accustomed to here in Athlone.
“Annually Athlone’s execution of a thoroughly professional festival including a wide range of fringe events is unrivalled anywhere in the country. Athlone is now recognised as the home of this wonderful festival and the town benefits hugely from the impressive reputation built up over the past 70 years, so on behalf of our town, I thank you for putting Athlone on the map and for showing it in such a positive light year on year,” Cllr O’Rourke commented.
Cllr O’Rourke noted the origins of the All-Ireland Drama Festival, the initial thoughts for which flourished in the Hodson Bay Hotel.
“The Hodson Bay Hotel had a part to play in 1952/53 when the three wise men of Lenihan, Faulkner and O’Brien were plotting and planning the first gathering of amateur drama groups in Athlone. There was no question but the trio would deliver on their promise to the Arts Council.
“My grandfather, PJ Lenihan, ran this hotel with his wife Anne back then, the children helped out in the early days - Brian, Paddy, Anne and my mother Mary – of course it was a much more modest operation then than it is today. In those days it was a quaint country house hotel. Just look at it today, a wonderful four star hotel and expanding with great promise all the time.
“Regrettably, my grandfather died when I was two, so I don’t remember him but my mother has often regaled me and recounted many of the colourful meetings and events that occurred in the Hodson Bay Hotel most of which were of a political nature to be fair.
“Thank you for organising this event at the Hodson Bay Hotel this evening and asking me to speak, it’s a poignant occasion for me as it is I know for the Festival. I’d like to think that my grandfather is a proud man this evening,” Cllr O’Rourke asserted.
Concluding, Cllr O’Rourke extended best wishes to those drama groups taking to the Dean Crowe Theatre stage creating memories to last a lifetime.
“I want to wish the visiting drama groups well with their stage performances and to Festival Director, Ms Regina Bushell and her colleagues, I wish you good luck for the Festival’s duration,” Cllr O’Rourke said.
