Drama Group's 80th year

In 2010, Kilcullen Drama Group will celebrate its 80th anniversary since it was first founded through the inspiration of local priest Fr Moynihan.

In the early days it was, of course, an organisation aimed at providing the opportunity for the community to entertain itself. Needless to say, this was long before the availability of TV, and even then radio was very much in its infancy as a medium of entertainment and information.

"In those days, audience and actors were as one, both contributing equally to the nights of entertainment in Kilcullen," says Bernard Berney, who hastens to assure us that he isn't actually old enough to personally remember this.

"I believe this tradition still continues," he adds. "The separation between the action on stage and the reaction in the auditorium is not clearly defined. This is what gives the plays in Kilcullen their special flavour."

The 'modern' Kilcullen Drama Group keeps its community focus not just by playing to local audiences, but also by highlighting and supporting other elements that make up what is Kilcullen.

They have established a tradition of giving the proceeds of the opening Gala Night to local good causes. These have included the GAA, Kilcullen Lions Club, Scoil Bhride, Special Olympics, Senior Citizens, Kildare and West Wicklow SPCA, the Transition Year of Cross & Passion College, and many others.