Latest news with #MichelleHall
Irish Independent
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos as Droichead Arts Centre marks 35 years of creativity and community
Collettel acknowledged it was 'impossible to celebrate 35 years in one night,' but the event offered a powerful glimpse into the creativity and community that have shaped Droichead since its founding in 1989. Mayor Michelle Hall, a strong advocate for the arts, officially opened the night. What followed was a dynamic programme showcasing the centre's wide-reaching influence on artists from Louth and beyond. Highlights included spoken word artist Dagogo Hart; playwright Juliette Crosbie, who shared a scene from her upcoming play Pitch Perfect, set to premiere at Droichead in 2026; and Grainne Rafferty with a piece from Around the Head, part of the 2025 Theatre Club season. Award-winning composer and former chair of the centre, Michael Holohan, performed original works including The Old Swing and Capranica, and debuted The May Morning Dew, joined by his son, musician Breiffne Holohan. Also taking the stage were the Chilanka School of Dance, local fiddler Róisín Ward Morrow, tenor Seán Tester (ahead of his Wexford Opera Festival debut), and pianist Niall Kinsella. The second half featured former Droichead Youth Theatre members John Ruddy and well-known actor Colin O'Donoghue (Once Upon a Time), as well as performances from opera singers Gavan and Nichola Ring, poet Susan Connolly, and singer-songwriters Gene Carolan, Caimin Hall, and Clara Byrne. Crosbie returned to close the evening with a powerful final performance. The event drew a full house, with guests including former and current board members, Chamber Council representatives, Senator Alison Comyn, actress Helen Behan, Louth Arts Officer Moya Hodgers, and Arts Council advisor John O'Brien. A reception was generously supported by Boann Distillery and Dan Kelly's Cider. Droichead continues to play a vital role in the cultural life of Drogheda and the North East, with two locations – its theatre and gallery on Stockwell Street and Barlow House, home to artist studios and rehearsal spaces. With support from the Arts Council and local authorities, Droichead remains a cornerstone of creativity in the region, committed to supporting artists and engaging audiences of all ages.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Historic second term for Drogheda's newly elected Mayor
The Labour councillor was nominated for the prestigious office at the Borough District of Drogheda AGM on Monday. She was this year's agreed candidate as part of the Mayoral pact between the Independents, Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour over the five year term. Sinn Fein, which has three councillors in the Drogheda area is once again excluded and is not part of the deal. Michelle Hall who lives in Termonfeckin was first elected Mayor in 2022-2023 and was only the third woman in 792 years to hold the office. The only other woman to be Mayor was Marie Campbell O'Brien,2003-2004, the daughter of legendary Fianna Fail Alderman, the late Con O'Brien from Marian Park, and Eileen Tully, 22023-2024, the wife of former Louth County Council chairman, and St Joseph's CBS teacher the late Councillor Oliver Tully, from Baltray. Cllr. Hall is highly regarded and respected right across the political divide and vowed to be a vocal leader for Drogheda over the coming year. The outgoing Mayor Paddy McQuillian has been regarded as the luckiest of all time with Drogheda United winning the FAI Cup and Louth the Lesinter champions during his year of office. He extended an invitation to all the town's living former Mayors to the new council offices in Fair Street for his last day in office, June 9 to see the new mayoral gallery which contains portraits of various Mayors. Cllr McQuillian said; "I was delighted to bring them all together for a cup of tea and to see the gallery which is very impressive. I've loved every second of my year in office between Drogheda Utd and Louth winning. "They were both great days that I will never forget. Being Mayor of this great town is an honour and privilege."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Chicopee woman charged with arson following Belcher Street fire
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – A Chicopee woman was arrested and charged in connection with a three-alarm fire that left a dozen residents without a home on Sunday. Department of Fire Services Public Information Officer Jake Wark stated in a news release that Chicopee fire crews responded to 26 Belcher Street after 3:30 a.m. on Sunday for reports of a structure fire. Firefighters found the three-story, multi-family home in flames. Residents of ten units without home following Chicopee fire Chicopee crews were able to assist in evacuating all residents, as well as rescuing two pets Sunday morning. A third pet was rescued from the building on Monday after neighbors noticed it in a third-floor window. Firefighters worked to put out the fire for over two hours, with the building sustaining severe fire, smoke, and water damage as a result. State and local fire officials began investigating the cause of the fire and determined that it had begun in a second-floor bathroom. Investigators found through evidence and witness interviews that the fire had been intentionally set. Chicopee and state police officers identified 40-year-old Michelle Hall of Chicopee as a suspect connected to the fire. Hall had allegedly been involved in an altercation at the building before the fire took place. She was arrested Sunday evening and charged with arson. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
