HaggleRock prepare to stage their first production ‘Only an hour from Dublin’

The HaggleRock Theatre Group cast for Only An Hour from Dublin

HaggleRock Theatre Group are making final preparations to stage their first production ‘Only An Hour From Dublin’ written by Grainne Jordan, directed by Pat Cleary and produced by Brigitte Nelson on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th March in the Geraldines’ clubrooms in Haggardstown.

Only an Hour from Dublin is a two act comedy based on a Dublin family from the Liberties who take over a B&B in a fictional town only an hour from the capital.  Problems arise when a local auctioneer wants them to sell the estate to make a financial gain.

The cast includes; Tom Doonan, Patricia Reynolds, Joan Wilson, Frank McGrath, John Tumilty, Suzanne Kavanagh, Anne Donaghy, Brian McElroy, Margaret Gamble, Eimear Boyle and Fiona O Murchu.

Director Pat Cleary said: “Rehearsals are going great and the play is really coming together. It’s great craic with loads of laughs and mystery! The cast have embraced their roles and are improving with each rehearsal. By the end of March, they’ll be just perfect. Overall, I reckon, anybody who attends is in for a fun filled evening.”

In addition to the cast, there is a strong team in the background helping to make this a success, by building and designing sets, making costumes, testing sound and lighting, finding props and marketing the even. The teams include: Eileen Munnelly, Amy Galligan, Anne Callan, Tom Ridgeway, Jack Montgomery, Maeve Ahern, Mary Reilly, Karen Maguire, Caraline Whittingham, Michelle Reidy and Noeleen Gernon.

Chairman Patricia Reynolds said: “I am very proud of HaggleRock Theatre Group, the team are totally committed to making this venture a huge success.  I do hope the people will come along and support us on as it is hoped that some of the proceeds of the two nights will be allocated back into the community.”

Only An Hour From Dublin was written by Grainne Jordan, a native of County Louth. She said: “I’m deeply honoured that HaggleRock is staging my play, and look forward to seeing the production. I wish the cast and crew every success. My sister Eimear Boyle will be taking on the role of “Nancy”, which adds to the excitement on my part!  My family are based in Ardee, and I have a brother living in Blackrock so it’s a bit of a homecoming for the play.”

Only An Hour From Dublin will take place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th March at 8 pm in The Geraldines’ clubrooms, in Haggardstown, with a full bar available on both nights. Tickets can be purchased for €10 each through cast or committee members, in BHK Credit Union, St Francis NS, Blackrock, or by calling Amy on 086 226 8606.

Annagassan-based sheikh hoping to raise €50,000 for charity at Cheltenham

Sheikh Samir Mirdad

A Co Louth-based sheikh is one of many people hoping to raise tens of thousands of euro for charity at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Sheikh Samir Mirdad, who resides in Annagassan, is an advisor to senior royal family members in the Gulf and an accomplished show jumper.

The 45-year-old has swapped his jacket for silks though to rise the Willie Mullins-trained Ballylongford in the Cancer Research fundraising St Patrick’s Derby on Thursday.

The sheikh revealed his determined streak as after training in Dubai, he then travelled to Mullins’s yard in Carlow to get some tips from jockey Ruby Walsh.

Sheikh Samir aims to raise €50,000 and will be fundraising in memory of his grandmother, Aasha, who died of breast cancer.

His wife Lynda Pollock Mirdad is also recovering from breast cancer at present.

“I’m not going to take a picture; I’m a competitive person, it’s in my nature and in everything I do. I’m going to try and give it a go,” he said.

He also revealed his time in Carlow had proven worthwhile.

“They got the fear out of me of speed; when those horses are going fast it is scary.

“I’m more confident now,” he said.

A native of Saudi Arabia, the Sheikh’s love affair with Annagassan started by accident when his good friend Dermott Lennon, a former show-jumping World Champion, helped him select a few horses from Annagassan.

He had been told about a location at Dunany and rang Tom Ridgeway from the CastleHorses in Dillonstown by mistake. He became good friends with Tom and his wife Patricia and when a nearby farm came on the market, he couldn’t believe his luck and purchased it.