THE Cavanacarragh Players are back in action following an absence due to the ongoing pandemic, and are delighted to finally present ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, by Brian Friel.

The play will be performed nightly at 8pm in Cavanacarragh Hall on December 3, 4, 10 and 11.

Set in County Donegal in the mid-1930s, the two-act play follows the lives of five sisters living in rural Ireland, and presents the story of a family trying to survive a changing landscape and how one summer can change things forever – not dissimilar to current times!

The players, under the direction of Tom McCarney, have been trying to stage the production since 2019, but due to Covid-19, its production was held up.

A spokeswoman for the Cavanacarragh Players said: “The group has been on the go for more than 50 years;Tom has been there from most of it. It has a great tradition in the area and our youngest member, Cormic Cox, is 11 years old, and the third generation of his family to take to the stage.

“After a 40-year break from the stage, Seamus Gavin is returning from London to be part of the production.”

Highlighting how the show couldn’t take place without all the work that goes on in the background, she continued: “At the moment the stage is being built and the painters are in. Tickets sales are being organised, sponsors found, and lines being learned.”

As the show draws closer, the late Pat and Iggy Murphy are not far from the players’ minds, described as “great men ,who were a massive part of the players, and will be sadly missed,” by the spokeswoman.

Tickets for the Cavanacarragh Players’ production of Dancing at Lughnasa can be booked through Marie at 0777 616 7690, or Claire at 0778 333 2733. This year, the amateur dramatics group is supporting the charity, Ellie’s Retreat.