Drama and passion in Kilcullen, long ago
Nostalgia from Kilcullen Drama Group 51 years ago, this programme from the local memorabilia kept by PJ Lydon is full of memories, writes Brian Byrne.
The play, Autumn Fire, was even then a revival of a 1924 work from TC Murray, a tragedy set in rural Cork when an older farmer, bed-bound after a riding accident, watches a growing passion develop between his much younger wife and his son.
Maybe John Martin and Nessa Dunlea, both in the cast then, and producer Dick Dunphy, might have some memories to share about how the play was received?
Meantime, the advertisements in the programme revive many of their own stories. Remember the 'Shamrock Bar'? And O'Connor's Garage. O'Connell's sweet shop and Martin Murphy's similar, both in competition for the Kilcullen Cinema clientele. O'Connell Chemist stocking nothing but the 'purest Drugs and Chemicals'. And Quinns Newsagents for Fancy Goods, Stationery, and Confectionery.
Your editor even makes the programme, for contributing Sound Effects, which was an interest of mine at the time.
Memories ...
