Trouble there is and trouble there is going to be in the Augher/ Truagh Border area!
but it will be all for fun this Sunday night 25th April as the ' The Troubled Bachelors',
take to the stage for the final time in Truagh Parish Hall, Clara, Emyvale. This
three act comedy play by A. J. Stanley, has already been performed by the newly formed
amateur dramatic group ' Tru-Mac Drama' to full houses on Friday 16th and Sunday
18th April. The cast have therefore decided to do one final night this Sunday with
the proceeds going to local charities.
The play is set in rural Ireland in the 1940's and is based on three bachelors who
are threatened with the loss of their Council cottages to larger families unless
they themselves get married within three months. The audience are assured tears of
laughter as the 'troubled batchelors' try to grasp the seriousness of a letter from
the local Urban Council and then consider the pro's and con's of married life. Drama
enthusiasts will also appreciate how this cast has slotted into the various characters
of these bygone days and together with a powerful stage set and costumes they combine
to bring this work of A.J. Stanley's to life.
This is the first time that a play has been staged in the area for many years with
former members of St Macartans Drama Society, Augher teaming up with others from
the neighbouring border area of Truagh, Co. Monaghan. The cast of 10 adults and 2
young people have come to do this production under the direction of Kieran Mc Kenna,
Augher assisted by Aiden Cuddy and they appreciate how well the play has been supported
by the people of North Monaghan/ South Tyrone. The three ' troubled batchelors '
hail from the Augher area - Colin Wray, Cormac and Damien Donnelly and having graced
the stage often before in local plays and comedy sketches they are enjoying their
roles in this cross-border production. They are joined by other actors from the Truagh/
Emyvale area - Brendan Mc Vicar, Miriam Mc Kenna, Majella Connolly, Anna Mc Caughey,
Eilish Mc Carron, Martina Kelly, Emma Kelly, Mairead O'Connell and Linda Mc Meel.
Truagh Parish Hall, Clara has proved to have been a great venue for the play. Along
with the new Blackwater Valley Learning Centre and Carrickroe Community Centre the
hall continues to offer the people of Truagh and surrounding parishes a wide variety
of courses, activities and events over recent years. The hall committee led by their
tireless co-ordinator Josie Brady hosts many weekly night classes and community events
including Truagh Youth Choir rehearsels and Mc Quaid School of Dancing classes. They
are also preparing to host the opening heat of the 'Blackwater Valley Talent Competition'
on Friday 23rd April and a Cross Border Social Night on 21st May.
Truagh Parish Hall is located in the rural village of Clara, 3 miles off the N2
- turn off signposted to the right immediately before the picnic site between Aughnacloy
and Emyvale. It can also be accessed off the Augher/ Aughnacloy Rd, 2 miles from
Favour Royal. Admission is €6/ £5 for Adults and €3/ £2.50 for children/ students,
and is payable at the door. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. with curtain going up at
9:00 p.m. sharp and patrons are advised to come early to get a good seat!
