Mayo native Sabina Higgins to open All Ireland Confined Drama Final in Claremorris

THE official opening of the All Ireland (Confined) Drama Final for 2025, hosted by the Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival in Claremorris Town Hall Theatre from April 25 to May 4, will be performed by Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins. It will take place on Friday week at 8 pm.

Born and raised in Cloonrane, Ballindine, Sabina attended Ballindine NS and Claremorris Convent of Mercy Secondary School. She has maintained very strong ties with the area all down the years.

Nine plays will be staged during the festival and the groups that have made it through to the finals are Enniscorthy Theatre Company (opening night), Upstage Players (Claremorris), St Patrick’s Drama Group (Westport), Sliabh Aughty (Clare), Tinahely Variety Group, Clann Machua Drama (Kiltimagh), Phoenix Players (Tubbercurry), Castleblayney Players, and Glenamaddy Players who will feature on the closing night of the actual festival on Saturday, May 3. The adjudicator is Anna Walker.

The gala awards presentation and celebration night will be held in the McWilliam Park Hotel on Sunday night, May 4, when the curtains will finally come down on the hosting of the 2025 All-Ireland Confined Drama finals.

Several fringe events are also organised to spread the event out into the community as well. Festival director Peter McCallig said it is going to be a hectic ten days around town.

“We have art exhibitions, a poetry reading, choral music, a photo exhibition, a historic walk, traditional music, and a recital by the Castlerea Brass and Reed Band in McMahon Park on Sunday 27 at 2 pm. There is great support and goodwill for the venture around Claremorris, and we know the people of the area will extend a great welcome to all the groups.”

Tickets are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 09493 10999 and from townhall.ie