Transition Year drama students from Roscommon Community College have achieved
extraordinary national success, securing six prestigious All-Ireland awards at the Briery Gap
Drama Competition in Macroom, Co. Cork, on Monday, 23rd March.
In a remarkable sweep, the group claimed 1st Overall Winner along with accolades for Best
Directors, Best Actor, Best Supporting Role, Best Set, and Best Stage Crew, an achievement that
firmly establishes the school as a rising force on the schools’ drama circuit.
Their winning production, an adaptation of Eclipsed by Patricia Burke Brogan, transported
audiences to a Magdalene Laundry in 1960s Ireland, shedding light on a deeply painful chapter
in the nation’s history. The students’ portrayal was widely praised for its emotional depth,
sensitivity, and authenticity. Audience members and adjudicators alike were left in awe as the
young performers delivered a moving and respectful interpretation of the challenging material.
Individual acting honours were awarded to Sarah Batista for her compelling role as Brigit
Murphy and Beatriz Rodriguez for her sensitive performance as Mandy Prenderville.
Adjudicators commended both students for the genuine connection and emotional honesty they
brought to their characters, elevating the production to an exceptional standard.
Central to this success was the guidance of directors Ms Yvonne Doyle and Ms Joanne Cleary,
whose vision, dedication, and expertise shaped the production into an award-winning piece of
theatre. Their commitment ensured that the students not only performed at the highest level but
also fully understood the significance of the story they were telling.
Celebrations began at the much-anticipated awards ceremony in Macroom and continued when
they returned to Roscommon. They were greeted with a special guard of honour from fellow
students, staff, and proud parents, marking a triumphant homecoming for the talented cast and
crew.
In choosing to enact a story both powerful and challenging, Roscommon Community College
drama students have earned national acclaim on the schools’ drama circuit.
Roscommon Students Sweep Six National Drama Awards with Powerful Performance of ‘Eclipsed’
