Mayo drama group takes All-Ireland title with acclaimed production of 'Woman and Scarecrow'

St Patrick’s Drama Group Westport has brought home the All-Ireland Drama title, capping off a hugely successful season that saw them win six qualifying festivals and receive widespread recognition for their powerful production of Marina Carr’s 'Woman and Scarecrow'.

The group’s journey to the top was marked by consistent excellence, both on stage and behind the scenes. Their production of Carr’s haunting and lyrical play impressed adjudicators across the country for its emotional depth, technical quality, and strong ensemble work.

At the helm was Seamas Cafferky, whose thoughtful and imaginative direction earned him the Best Director award at the All-Ireland final. This latest accolade follows his double win in the schools’ Drama and Light Entertainment competitions, further highlighting his significant contributions to drama in Westport and beyond.

In the demanding lead roles, Martina Ryan and Alannah Ní Mhíocháin delivered standout performances. Ryan brought warmth, frustration, humour and raw honesty to the role of Woman - a character facing her final moments and reflecting on a life unfinished. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress, a recognition of her nuanced and emotionally grounded portrayal.

Alannah Ní Mhíocháin, as the mysterious and watchful Scarecrow, received the Best Actress award for her striking and finely controlled performance. Her presence on stage - by turns still, playful, and unsettling - offered a powerful counterpoint to Ryan’s more grounded Woman, and the chemistry between the two actors was widely praised.

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Supporting cast

The production also featured a strong supporting cast, including Colette Mc Ginty, who brought humour and grit to the role of Auntie Ah, adding depth and texture to the world of the play.

Seamas Cafferky also appeared on stage as Him, delivering a compelling performance as the absent, yet emotionally charged, figure whose presence lingers throughout the Woman’s life. His portrayal added a further layer of complexity to the production.

Technical and creative elements played a crucial role in bringing the play to life. Jamie O’Neill won the Best Lighting award for his subtle, atmospheric design, while Micki Hansberry’s sound design added emotional weight and dramatic tension throughout. A particularly memorable feature was the haunting, ethereal singing of Sinéad Brogan, whose live vocals lent the production a sense of otherworldliness and emotional resonance.

The set, designed by Danny Mc Namara, created a dreamlike, liminal space that supported the tone and mood of the piece without overpowering the performances. Live musical accompaniment by Nicole Gannon further enriched the atmosphere, offering carefully judged musical moments that complemented the emotional rhythm of the production. Behind the scenes, stage manager Alice Burns ensured each performance ran smoothly, contributing to the overall professionalism of the group’s presentation.

This All-Ireland win marks a significant moment for St Patrick’s Drama Group - not just as a recognition of one successful production, but as a testament to the collective talent, commitment and collaboration that has long been a hallmark of the group.

Pictured above are St Patrick's Drama Group from Westport with their haul of awards from the CBE Sponsored ADCI All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals after presentations in The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris. The finals were staged in Claremorris Town Hall Theatre, front, from left: Danny McNamara (Best Overall Play); Alanna Ní Mhíochain, (Best Actress); Seamus Cafferkey (Best Director) and Colette McGinty. Back, from left: Nicole Gannon, Sinead Brogam, Nikki Hansberry (Best Lighting) and Alice Burns. Pic: Michael Donnelly