Puckane and Carrig Drama Group members (from left) Mike Ryan, Brendan Carroll, Phil Quigley (Director), Kevin Ryan. Seated: Gerry Foley (Writer), Barbara Tierney.

Praise for local drama group’s radio performance

One of my passions is radio drama, writes Ger Corrigan.

Whether it’s Sunday night on Radio One or the BBC Sounds app, I devote a lot of time to listening to great radio drama.

I was reared on the Kennedy’s of Castleross and Harbour Hotel and the golden age of companies of first class actors providing wonderful entertainment.

Scariff Bay FM is a Clare-based community radio station who have come up with an innovative solution for those missing their amateur drama due to Covid-19. They are running a drama festival over recent weeks and I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to listen on Saturday evening week last.

The Puckane and Carrig Drama Group's entry - ‘A Man of Principle’ - was the play being broadcast. This play, written by Gerry Foley and directed by Phil Quigley, was a real treat.

I haven’t missed a production of the Puckane and Carrig Drama Group since they formed and they have never disappointed, but their transition to radio was remarkable. The professional production standards matched with outstanding dialogue and first class timing and pace made the listening experience really enjoyable.

A rich comedic underbelly supported a tale with morality interwoven in the fabric of the dialogue.

The characters were rich, warm, real and sympathetic of each other’s views, and all were like the majority of our society, trying to do their best in their own way.

One can only congratulate the actors, director Phil Quigley and of course Scarrif Bay community radio for their excellent initiative.

I must, however, reserve special mention for Gerry Foley, who happens to be my uncle. Gerry has been writing for a long time and has a great gift.

It was such a joy to hear the manifestation of his gift in the production that I listened to last Saturday evening.

I look forward to his future work and the continued success of the Puckane and Carrig Drama Group.