Tributes paid following death of Mayo playwright

Tributes have been paid to Mayo playwright, Michael Joe Ginnelly, who was the writer of the hugely popular comedy play, 'A Wake in the West'.

A native of Mulranny, Michael Joe Ginnelly passed away over the weekend after a short illness in Galway University Hospital.

Michael Joe was one of Mayo's best known playwrights who was the author of the highly-successful full-length plays including 'Pretend Sick', 'Separate Table' and the hugely acclaimed 'A Wake in the West'.

A Wake in the West was written by Michael Joe over 25 years ago and was first performed by a local group in Mulranny. It was years later after it was performed by the Westport Drama Group that the dark comedy reached critical acclaim and has been performed by drama groups all around Ireland and even as far afield as America and Australia.

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Achill drama groups, Dooega Drama Group, which won the Contribution to the Arts in Mayo Award at the Mayo County Council Cathaoileach awards, and Cumann Dramaíochta An Chorráin both paid tribute to the local playwright and expressed sympathy to his family.

“It is with great sadness that Cumann Dramaíochta An Chorráin has learned of the passing, following illness, of Mulranny playwright Michael Joe Ginnelly.

“Michael Joe was the writer of many comedy plays, none more famous than ‘A Wake in the West’ which earned huge acclaim across many stages, both nationally and internationally. “Our drama group enjoyed immensely the staging of this play in 2014,” Cumann Dramaíochta An Chorráin posted on Facebook.

Dooega Drama Group posted: “It is with great sadness that Dooega Drama Group has learned of the passing, after a short illness, of renowned Mulranny playwright Michael Joe Ginnelly.

“Michael Joe was the writer of many comedy plays, none more famous than ‘A Wake in the West’ which earned huge acclaim across many a stage, both nationally and internationally.”

Michael Joe was predeceased by his wife Theresa, parents and brother Pat and survived by his son Thomas and daughter Ann Marie, sister Anne, grandchildren and a large circle of family and friends.

He will repose at his residence at Bunnahowna, Mulranny on Tuesday evening from 4pm until 7pm with removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Mulranny on Wednesday morning for Mass at 10.30am. Cremation to follow in Shannon Crematorium.