‘Mammy’s Boy’ comes to Rathanna
The cast of 'Mammy's Boy': John Cummins, Ann Kelly, Edmond Kearney, Anna Whitford, John Brophy, Eliz Roche and Breada Scully (missing from photo: Eimer Byrne)
RATHANNA Drama Group will put on their latest play tonight, 18 April, at 8pm in Rathanna Hall. They will also hold performances on Sunday 19 April and next week from Thursday to Sunday 23-26 April.
The play is a three-act comedy by Jimmy Keary and is set in the living room of the McGarry house where pensioner Maisy McGarry (played by Elizabeth Roche) and her spinster daughter Betty (Ann Kelly) reside. Troubles abound when Betty’s brother Hughie (Edmond Kearney) returns from England with a colourful friend, Bernie Byrne (Breda Scully). But, of course, Hughie’s estranged wife Lorraine (Eimear Byrne) isn’t pleased by this turn of events. Hughie attempts to put his mother in a nursing home and sell the house, but, naturally, things are not quite that easy.
Other characters include Joe Duggan (John Brophy), an elderly neighbour and friend of Maisy’s, Betty’s boyfriend Dermot Delaney (John Cummins), and Garda Niamh Ryan (Anna Whitford), who finds evidence of suspicious activities.
In their performances, the group remember past member Sean Stapleton, who sadly died at the age of 80 in January.
“He was involved on the stage and off the stage,” helping with sound and lighting too, said committee member Elizabeth Roche. His first play was in 1968 and he took part in in 2025 while undergoing treatment for illness. “He’ll be very much missed,” said Elizabeth.
Tickets are on sale for €10 and will be available to purchase at the door.
Thursday's performance will be in aid of Borris playschool, Ballymurphy soccer and the community games. On Sunday 26 April, money raised will be donated to the Oak Ward in Waterford in memory of Sean Stapleton.
