Mary Esler, Claremorris Festival Director, pictured with Christina Flynn and Marie Loftus, Ballina Festival, and Linda Beirne, festival treasurer/secretary, Claremorrris Drama & Fringe Feestival, at the opening night of the Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival 2026 in the Town Hall Theatre, Claremorris. Photo: Michael Donnelly
Mayo's premier drama festival is underway and runs until March 21
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The 54th Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival is underway and will continue Saturday, March 21.
All of the events are staged in the magnificent Claremorris Town Hall.
This year’s festival competition format sees four groups in the confined section and four groups in the open section, which no doubt will make the results night all the more intriguing.
Also, this year sees the return of the playwriting competition.
Karl Coyne, Rachael Doyle, Noel Armstrong, Marguerite Doyle and Pat Doyle at the opening night.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
Patrons attending last night's launch had high praise for the photo exhibition on display which is run in conjunction with the Claremorris Camera Club.
Peter McCallig, chairman, Claremorris Drama & Fringe Festival, speaking at the opening night of the Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival 2026 in the Town Hall Theatre, Claremorris.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
The launch night featured writer, director and actor Seamus O’Rourke in John B. Keane’s ‘The Love Hungry Farmer.’
This play was not in the competition. ‘The Love Hungry Farmer’ told the story of farmer John Bosco who goes in search of a soulmate.
Billy and Margaret Kilgannon, Tubbercurry.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
At its conclusion, the play received a standing ovation from the large attendance.
Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival stages some excellent plays this year and a lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes.
Carmel and Seamus Glynn, Claremorris.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
Claremorris Drama Festival Officer Mary Esler said that the busy preparation for this festival began last October.
Carmel Glynn pictured with Joe and Maura McEvilly of AIB (sponsors), Claremorris.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
Daiva Budziuvienne pictured with Jimmy and Pauline Flynn (sponsors), Claremorris.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
Cllr Patsy O'Brien and Cllr Alma Gallagher.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
Katie Talbot, De Care Dental, and Mary Esler, festival director.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
Carmel Glynn, John Russell, Marie Murphy, Pat Doyle, Marguerita Doyle. Robert Holden, Rachel Comer and Pat Walsh, at the opening night of the Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival 2026.
Photo by
Michael Donnelly
Ballyheane. Castlebar
087 2654747
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