Ray Leonard Players celebrate historic victory in All-Ireland Drama Finals 

CLAREMORRIS-based Ray Leonard Players drama group has taken top honours in the national All-Ireland One-Act Drama Finals.

The group are celebrating an historic victory this morning, after taking national glory in the All-Ireland One-Act Drama Finals on Sunday night last night. The competition took place in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan with the winners announced late on Sunday night. Performing Carl Nuzum’s powerful play, ‘A Night Without Stars’, The Ray Leonard Players were named overall winners in the Confined section of the competition, with the group’s leading lights, Robert Holden and Vera Kilgallon, named Best Male and Best Female Actors respectively. 

This is the first time The Ray Leonard Players stepped onto the One-Act circuit, while also marking a directorial debut for Tim Oates. Alongside Tim, Mary Esler came on board as Producer, with Billy Freeley on sound and light. The show starred Robert Holden (Man), Vera Kilgannon (Tara), Marion Walsh-McGuire (Bridie), Bríd Roe (Francie), John Fallon (Mike), and Des Pollard (Priest). 

The Ray Leonard Players faced stiff competition on the festival circuit in recent weeks, meeting the best of the best in the national competition over the weekend.

Speaking after the prize-giving ceremony, Director Tim Oates said: “We are absolutely delighted with the result and to be honest, it’s still sinking in. Our win tonight in Castleblayney comes down to a really fantastic team effort. We had great teamwork from everyone right from the very beginning, and it was a hugely positive experience for all of us. We definitely didn’t expect to win, but it’s an amazing feeling and I’m thrilled for the entire cast and crew, and of course for Robert and Vera who also took the Best Male and Female Actor Awards.”  

The Ray Leonard Players was established a few years ago to honour and perpetuate the memory of the late Ray Leonard, who was synonymous with drama across the west of Ireland throughout his life. Ray – who passed away in 2005 – was a director, producer and mentor who made an outstanding contribution to drama, musicals and stagecraft. He was a great friend and a massive inspiration to the group’s founding members, and to countless other performers around the region. He was passionate about the stage and was affectionately known as ‘Mr Drama’ in Claremorris and indeed all across the west of Ireland.  

ENDS