Hollywood actor launches book to celebrate 80 years of Carlow Little Theatre
(Back) Marc Grogan, Pearse Bergin, Mark Cradock, Rory Moran, Bernard Jennings, Paul Dunne and Paul McManus; (front) Roddy Cummins, Helena Mulkerns, Maureen Cummins and Patrick Bergin Photos: Paul Curran
HOLLYWOOD actor Patrick Bergin brought a touch of real-life drama to proceedings when he was guest of honour at the launch of a book celebrating Carlow Little Theatre Society.
The book, called , was written to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the society’s foundation. The launch was held in Carlow County Library and Patrick was present in his capacity as honorary life member of the society and in recognition of his father Paddy’s role as one of the society’s founding members.
The book was a labour of love by members of the group, who had been working on it since 2020, researching and gathering information, photos, anecdotes and mementos from members past and present.
There was a great turnout at the launch, and it included members young and old, supporters and friends. Also among the attendance were Rory Moran and Bernard Jennings, whose fathers Terry and Gerald respectively, were also co-founders of the society.
Mark Cradock, president of the society, noted in his speech that it was a gigantic achievement to have the drama society perform plays every year of its 80-year history. Patrick, who was joined by his brother Pearse, read some poems written by his late father Paddy and praised the society, encouraging it to “keep up the good work”.
MC for the evening was Marc Grogan, who read excerpts and contributions, alongside Paul McManus, Paul Dunne and Mark Cradock.
Head researcher and editor on the book was David Nolan, who sadly passed away in October before the book made it to print. The book was fittingly dedicated to David, with his two daughters Emma and Ruth present, joined by his wife Ann and others via online streaming.
Members of the society and the wider Carlow community were shocked and saddened at the news of Ann passing away the following morning after a short illness. Ann was an integral part of the theatre group, a pillar of the society and had done lighting on most of its productions over the past 35 years, as well as being heavily involved in the running of the society. The book was very important to her and her loss is profoundly mourned by members.
The book is available from several shops around town, including Made in Carlow (and on its website), Goldmark Jewellers, Carlow Tourist Office, Jones Business Systems, Lambert’s Coffee Shop and Swan’s Electrical.
People can also contact carlowlittletheatre@gmail.com for copies.
