Mayo musical society announce new show to take place next April

Ballinrobe Musical Society will stage a musical drama based on the life of one of Ireland’s best-known political figures when they bring ‘Michael Collins - A Musical Drama’ to the stage from April 5-11, 2026.

The brainchild of the late Bryan Flynn, ‘Michael Collins’ portrays the life of the legendary military and political leader from West Cork through a soaring, rousing, chorus-driven soundtrack.

The story portrays Ireland’s turbulent revolutionary years through the eyes of Collins, starting with the 1916 Rising, tracing his role in the War of Independence and Civil War, and culminating in his assassination at Béal na Bláth at the age of 31.

Ballinrobe Musical Society’s staging of ‘Michael Collins’ comes after it received two nominations, Best Female Singer and Best Chorus at the annual AIMS awards for their production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which had a cast of over 70 people.

Their opening performance of ‘Michael Collins’ takes place on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, coinciding with the 110 year anniversary of the Easter Rising.

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“We feel this show will play to all our strengths as a society,” said Ballinrobe Musical Society Public Relations Officer, Oisín McGovern, said following the launch of the show at the Queen of the Lakes Festival at Ballinrobe Racecourse. "We are truly honoured to be given the privilege of bringing this epic show to the west of Ireland. This show is a remarkable piece of musical theatre with a rousing score and a gripping plot revolving around one of Ireland’s greatest-ever leaders. Michael Collins - A Musical Drama, is a testament to the genius and vision of the late Bryan Flynn and one we believe will entertain audiences of all ages.”

The society have extended their sincere thanks to Ballinrobe Community School Principal Julie Anne Collins for allowing them to continue using the school for performances and rehearsals.  

For the first time since moving from the old town hall in the 1990s, the society will stage their show in April, during the 2026 Easter holidays.

“Although our show will take place in April instead of February, we are still enormously thankful to have the use of such a fine facility,” said Mr McGovern. “Without the school’s generosity and cooperation, there simply would be no show in Ballinrobe. For this, we extend a sincere thanks to Ms Julie Anne Collins and wish all the school staff and students the very best in all their endeavours.”

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Ballinrobe Musical Society’s 2026 show sees the return of their production team of Alan Greaney (Director), Shane Farrell (Musical Director), Aoife McClafferty (Choreographer) and Ken McCarthy (Stage Manager).

Mr Greaney, who performed on stage with the society in 2011, will be directing his third show with Ballinrobe Musical Society, while Ms McClafferty returns as choreographer for her seventeenth show with the society. Mr McCarthy, who joined the society in 2002, continues as stage manager, a role which he has held since 2016, while Mr Farrell returns after making his debut as their musical director in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

“We are blessed to have such a friendly, hard-working, dedicated, and talented production team in Ballinrobe Musical Society. We cannot wait to start back working with Alan, Shane, Ken and Aoife,” commented Mr McGovern.

“We would like to conclude by thanking all our sponsors, patrons and volunteers, who every year are so giving of their time and support. There would be no show without you, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Ms McClafferty, who has been involved with the society since 2007, said: “I love working with this society as they exude heart, community, and kindness. Ballinrobe Musical Society are renowned for producing stellar shows, and that is down to the incredible work of all involved. Everyone comes on board in Ballinrobe, and it is one of the highlights of the year in the town.”

Ms McClafferty, who has directed and choreographed with musical societies across the west of Ireland, said ‘Michael Collins’ was ‘an excellent choice’ for Ballinrobe Musical Society.

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“It is steeped in history and is full of heart and emotion. It encompasses a fabulous cast and a huge chorus. I hope everyone enjoys this spectacular dramatisation of a changing period in Ireland’s history,” she said. "It is a story which tells of the emergence of the Irish nation, interwoven in music, song, and emotion. It is a musical treat and moving on every level.”

Mr Farrell, who played the piano in Ballinrobe Musical Society’s 2008 production of Titanic under the baton of his old teacher Noel Kirrane (RIP), expressed delight at being asked to return as musical director.

"Michael Collins is the Irish ‘Lés Miserables’, and I believe it is the perfect show for Ballinrobe Musical Society,” said Mr Farrell. "This show is a big sing, and Ballinrobe Musical Society is a big singing society. There are some truly epic numbers in this show, such as ‘Fly The Flag of Freedom’ and ‘Every Heart Awaken’. I think audiences are going to absolutely love this show.” 

Ballinrobe Musical Society’s production of Michael Collins – A Musical Drama will be staged in Ballinrobe Community School from Sunday, April 5, to Saturday, April 11. Information about auditions for the show and how to join the society will be published in the coming weeks.

For the latest updates, you can follow the society on their Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages.

Pictured above launching Ballinrobe Musical Society's 2026 production of Michael Collins - A Musical Drama at the Queen of The Lakes in Ballinrobe Racecourse are, from left, Queen of The Lakes host Alan Murphy, Ballinrobe Musical Society Vice-Chairman Des Treacy and Ballinrobe Musical Society Secretary Emma Loscher. Pic: Ballinrobe Musical Society

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