Poor Beast in The Rain
Dreams came true for Kilrush Drama Group and in particular, for Director, Mick Byrne in 2015 when Kilrush Drama Group were announced as the Winners of the All Ireland Confined Drama Finals in Kilmuckridge with their production of ‘Poor Beast in the Rain’ by Billy Roche. Founding member of Kilrush, Mick Byrne, who had been at the helm of the group since it’s foundation in 1964 was also awarded Best Producer. Ellie Condren also won Best Supporting Actress.
Proud Director, Mick Byrne, with the Claregalway Trophy
CAST
| Eileen | Ellie Condren |
| Georgie | Timmy Connaughton |
| Joe | Michael Dunbar |
| Stephen | Maurice Ruth |
| Molly | Jane Kinsella |
| Danger | Tony Hickey |
| Voice of Commentator | Tom Darcy |
CREW
| Producer/Director | Mick Byrne |
| Stage Manager | Ger Byrne |
| Stage Crew | Tommy Kavanagh, Roy Douglas, Kevin Mulholland, Stephen Ellis and Raymond Brennan |
| Lights | Kevin McEvoy |
| Sound | Paddy & Tom Byrne, Dougie Doyle |
| Make up | Lorna Doran |
| Costumes | Jacinta Kavanagh and Cathy Tighe |
| Set Design | Lar Duffy & Michael Byrne |
| Set Painting | Maeve Hunter |
| Set Construction | Lar Duffy, Ger Byrne, Bert Cogley and Ned Nolan |
Setting: Betting Shop in Wexford Town. Period: 1980’s
Brief History of the Group: Kilrush Drama Group celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2014 and launched a book of photos, facts and stories from down through the years entitled ‘Drama at Kilrush’. Current director Mick Byrne was the founding member and is still at the helm of the group. During the 50 years of Kilrush DG, they have produced 71 plays and have appeared in the 3 Act All Ireland Finals on 16 occasions.
Synopsis of the Play: Eileen works in her father’s betting shop. Molly, Steven and Joe manage to keep their regrets about the past safely locked away and young Georgie is ready to turn his back on the outside world and follow their example, until the return of the legendary Danger Doyle. Having turned his back on the cycle of missed opportunities and thwarted desires to run away to London with Eileen’s mother, Danger Doyle now offers Eileen the possibility of escape.