In pictures: Successful Ulster Schools Drama Festival at An Grianán Theatre

A very successful Ulster Schools Drama Festival drew to a close last week at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny.

The festival was run by An Cumann Scoildrámáíochta, the national association responsible for promoting schools drama all over the island of Ireland. A total of 26 school plays made it to the Ulster Final with over 800 students participating on stage at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny last Tuesday and Wednesday.

The plays were performed over the two days by primary and post primary schools and youth groups from throughout Donegal – from Gaoth Dobhair, Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Rann na Feirste, Gleann Fhinne, Éadan Fhionn Fraoich and Bun an Phonail. There were also schools from all over the province of Ulster including counties Derry, Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone and Monaghan.

The director of the festival, Noel Ó Gallchóir, noted: “It was one of our most successful festivals to date, and it was brilliant to see the number of young people attending and speaking Irish”.

The cast of 'Faoi Bhois an Chait', Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola who won their section and the award for the best production of a new play at Féile Uladh, and gained a nomination to the National Festival

The audience were treated to some top class entertainment with both a mix of newly written plays by both teachers and students along with some older productions like 'Peter Pan', 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' to name a few.

Mr. Paul McAvinchey from Co. Armagh, who was warmly praised in his role as adjudicator, announced the results at the awards ceremony. Mr. McAvinchey commented 'It is clear that schools drama in Ulster is extremely strong at present and in great health. Congratulations to all the children, teachers and parents on promoting the Irish language'.

The overall best drama was 'Mac Tíre na Draíochta' from Scoil Chnoc na Naomh in Doire Chonaire near Gort an Choirce. Their drama was a newly written play by Louise Nic Giolla Chearra.

The best male actor award went to ‘Franc’ Micheal Joseph Mac Pháidín from Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola.

The best female actress award went to ‘Mairéad’ Niamh Nic Pháidín from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair.

The best production of a newly written play went to Siobhán Ui Dhugáin with 'Faoi Bhois An Chait' from Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola.

The sectional winners were:

Roinn 1: Scoil Iorball Sionnaigh, Muineachán An Táin Bó Cuailgne
Roinn 2: Scoil Chnoc na Naomh, Doire Chonaire *Mac Tíre na Draíochta
Roinn 3: Gaelscoil na gCrann, An Ómaigh Tragóid na Titanice
Roinn 4: Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola *Faoi Bhois an Chait
Roinn 5: Scoil Oilibhéar Pluincéad, Rann na Feirste *Labhair an Teanga Gaeilge
Roinn 6: Scoil na Crannóige, Gaoth Dobhair *An Turas
Roinn 7: Gaelscoil Ultáin, Muineachán Peter Pan

There was a number of special awards:
Córagrafaíocht: Damhsa na nEalaí, Clann Lir, Scoil an Choimín, Gleann Fhinne
Córagrafaíocht/ Úsáid stáitse sa Mhairséail: An Táin Bó Cuailgne, Scoil Iorball Sionnaigh
Ard-Chaighdeán an Cheoil: Táin Bó Cuailgne—ó a Dhia! Bunscoil Phádraig, Crois Mhig Lionnáin
Bomaite Speisialta Drámaíochta: An Cóta Mór ag Teacht chun Beatha, Airnéal, Scoil Éadan Fhionn Fraoich
Óg-Aisteoir is Fearr: Buachaill: Ultán, Tragóid na Titanice, Gaelscoil na gCrann, An Ómaigh
Óg-Aisteoir is Fearr: Cailín: Méabha, Táin Bó Cuailgne - Ó a Dhia! Bunscoil Phádraig, Crois Mhig Lionnáin

The 12 Ulsters Winners that have been nominated for the National Final in Mullingar from 17-24 April.

Scoil Taobhóige, Leifear Séarlaí agus an Mhonarcha Seacláide
Bunscoil Phádraig, Crois Mhig Lionnáin Táin Bó Cuailgne—ó a Dhia!
Scoil Iorball Sionnaigh, Muineachán An Táin Bó Cuailgne
Scoil Oilibhéar Pluincéad, Rann na Feirste *Labhair an Teanga Gaeilge
Gaelscoil Ultáin, Muineachán Peter Pan
Gaelscoil na gCrann, An Ómaigh Tragóid na Titanice
Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Oileán an Ghuail An Sionnach Glic
Scoil Chnoc na Naomh, Doire Chonaire *Mac Tíre na Draíochta
Scoil Chonaill, An Bun Beag Trí náid síos ag leath ama
Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola *Faoi Bhois an Chait
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair Arís
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair Tá dóigh thart ar achan rud