I want to personally thank the committee of the West Waterford Drama Festival for all their work this year. And although all our hard work came to an abrupt end, we can be sure that we did everything in our power to look after all the groups and audience members who came through the doors of St Michael's Hall.

I am also extremely grateful to all our nightly sponsors, main sponsors and special sponsors. This festival would not be able to take place without your continued support.

A thank you as well to anyone who participated in any of our fringe events; Our art project with Katie Nolan and the primary school will continue to brighten up the village over the coming days. Our festival club with the Wren Boys was a great success and we are devastated we didn’t get to enjoy a lengthy sing song with the Murphy’s and Fiona on Friday. I am positive that the local Foroige group will get the opportunity (when the dust settles) to perform the piece they had put together with Noelle Clarke. I know how much they had been looking forward to getting on stage and showcasing their talents.

I want to give a special mention to our adjudicator this year; Imelda McDonagh. I think Imelda’s reputation on the circuit can be exemplified by how much the groups looked forward to her adjudications each night. When things were up in the air, Imelda was willing to facilitate the decision of the committee whatever that may have been. Thanks for your nightly insights, but more importantly thanks for the warmth and kindness you showed everyone in Ballyduff.

To our audience; you are always so engaged and fully supportive. You packed the auditorium each night and left the hall with a smile and thank you. Without you, we would not be here doing the work we do.

And finally... to our groups; as I believe the greatest heartbreak lies with you. After months of rehearsals, and days off work, and time away from family and friends... your productions didn’t get the credit they rightly deserve. Thanks to Kilworth Drama, Kilrush Drama Group, Kilmuckridge Drama Group, Palace Players, Kilworth, Kilmeen Drama Group, Skibbereen Drama Group, and Shoestring Theatre Company for the entertainment you provided our audience. And to the remaining groups who never got to curtain open; Wexford Drama Group Brideview Drama Tallow and Dundalk Theatre Workshop; we are just as disappointed not to see the productions, as I’m sure you are not to perform them. I hope that we, as a committee, did whatever we could to make your stay in Ballyduff an enjoyable one.

Now after all that has been said: We have plans in place to make our 40th birthday one of our biggest and best festivals yet. We hope we to see you all back in Ballyduff in 2021! Until then; Stay safe out there, and let’s continue to do whatever we can to protect the more vulnerable people in our society.

Ní neart go cur le chéile

Clodagh Walsh
Festival Director

41st West Waterford Drama Festival
3rd March to 11th March 2023

Bookings: On 058 60456 from 22nd February 2023 - 2pm - 8pm

If using Sat Nav, be careful when inputting. There are at least three Ballyduffs in County Waterford. In particular, there is a village called Ballyduff about five miles from Waterford City. This is not us! Coordinates 52° 08' 51" N, 8° 03' 06" W will get you pretty near the correct Ballyduff! more

 

Since 1981, West Waterford Drama Festival is held in Ballyduff during March. Over three decades of dramatic excitement, community endeavour, investment in friendship and sheer good fun. All driven by an ethos of volunteerism, community and good humour. more

Supported by Waterford City &
County Council's Arts Festivals Grants