Ballyduff Drama Group triumphs at 2025 RTÉ All-Ireland Festival
The announcement was made during a glittering Gala Awards ceremony at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone on Saturday, May 17 - watch it above.
Directed by Ger Canning, Ballyduff's staging of the 1990s-set drama — which explores themes of family, illness, and reconciliation during the AIDS crisis — won widespread praise. It marked Ballyduff's third All-Ireland title in four years, having also won in 2022 and 2024.
Festival adjudicator Walker Ewart praised Ballyduff's "well-nigh perfect production" and "consistently high standard of acting," calling it "an unforgettable production."
Canning also received the Best Director award for his work on the play. Mary Colbert, who portrayed Dora Devereux, won Best Actress, while Ronan Bennett claimed Best Supporting Actor for his role as Larry. The group also secured the Best Stage Setting award.
Second place went to Balally Players, directed by Declan Rudden, for their production of Ulster American by David Ireland. Bridge Drama, under Susan Somers, placed third with their adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, based on the novel by Mark Haddon.
Balally Players also won the prestigious Abbey Award, presented by Abbey Theatre Executive Director Mark O'Brien. The group will perform their winning play at the Peacock stage of the Abbey Theatre in the coming weeks.
Individual acting accolades included Best Actor for Cillian Tobin (Bridge Drama) in T he Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Stafford (Ballycogley Players) for her performance in Lend Me A Tenor.
Technical awards went to Mary O'Connor for Best Stage Management and Mark Redmond for Best Lighting (both from Bridge Drama). Emma Walsh (Brideview Drama Group) won the Adjudicator's Prize for her delivery of Valerie's speech in The Weir. Sarah Smith of Newpoint Players received the Drama League of Ireland Summer School Scholarship.
The festival, held under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI), brought ten top drama groups from across the country to Athlone.
New Festival Director Michael McGlone expressed pride in his inaugural year leading the event, which saw its Gala Awards live-streamed for the first time via RTÉ Culture. "It's a testament to the passion and dedication of all involved in amateur drama," he said.
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