The curtain fell on the Enniskillen Drama Festival (EDF) on Saturday with Bridge Drama’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony.
After nine nights of intense competition, featuring nine drama groups from across the country, the winners of the competition were crowned.
Bridge Drama dominated the evening with their production of Simon Stephens’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, securing a remarkable array of accolades. They won the coveted Jimmy Byrne Audience Award, Best Moment of Theatre, Best Open Play, and the distinguished Blue Riband for Best Overall Play. Director Susan Somers was honoured as Best Open Director, while Mairead Ryan received Best Actor in a Female Role. Cillian Toibín’s performance was equally lauded, earning him both Best Actor and Most Promising Young Actor. This outstanding achievement saw Bridge Drama qualify for the All-Ireland Finals in Athlone, an exceptional recognition of their talent and hard work.
The Phoenix Players emerged victorious in the Confined section with their powerful staging of Translations. Their triumphs included awards for Best Irish Play, Best Actor in a Male Supporting Role (Richard Wigley), Best Confined Director (Eamonn Óg Gallagher), and the prestigious Best Confined Play.
Other notable winners on the night included Newpoint Players, who claimed the award for Best Sound Design, and Castleblayney Players, who triumphed in both the Best Setting and Best Lighting categories. Colleen Savage of Clontarf took home the prize for Best Actor in a Supporting Female Role, rounding off an impressive evening of awards.
The proceedings were officially opened by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chairman, Councillor John McClaughry. In his address, he expressed his strong support for the dramatic arts, emphasising the importance of the Enniskillen Drama Festival and the vital role amateur theatre plays in enriching local communities.
A particularly moving moment of the evening came when EDF committee member Paul Doherty paid tribute to the late Marty Quinn. Reflecting on his impact, Paul shared heartfelt words: “When news broke that our friend, Marty Quinn, had passed away, there was an immediate and genuine outpouring of sorrow, but also of warmth and gratitude for a man who touched so many lives in countless positive ways.
"Almost everyone who knew him has a Marty Quinn story that will be fondly retold.
“Marty was charismatic, warm, funny, welcoming, generous, and encouraging. In drama circles, Marty was an all-star!”
Leading the awards section of the evening, Stefan Bukowski of the EDF committee underscored the essential contribution of local business sponsorship, expressing gratitude for their continued support. He spoke passionately about the dedication of those involved in the festival:
“Anyone present tonight who has ever been involved in staging a play knows how demanding it can be—creatively, financially, emotionally, and physically. To perform six to eight shows across a competitive circuit, often involving extensive travel, overnight stays, and unfamiliar venues, requires an extraordinary level of commitment.
“The past nine nights have showcased remarkable talent, a diverse range of performances, and scripts that have made us laugh, think, flinch, and question. It is a testament to amateur theatre in Ireland that those who participate, purely for the love and joy of it, can deliver moments that are poignant, humorous, and sometimes unsettling—yet always entertaining. That is, ultimately, the purpose of theatre: to entertain, to provoke thought, and to challenge perceptions.”
Mr. Bukowski went on to thank the participating groups, the festival’s nightly sponsors — Crudden Dolan, The Enniskillen Credit Union, Tracey Concrete, and Gordon Robinson Properties — as well as festival sponsors Modern Tyres, Encirc, Experience Enniskillen, and The Killyhevlin Hotel. He also acknowledged the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for their longstanding support, and Tully Mill for their warm hospitality in catering for the drama groups.
He extended his gratitude to the theatre’s dedicated staff, including Ana Boomsma for her unwavering support, and the superb technical team led by Mick McLaughlin. He also praised the box office staff, administrative team, front-of-house volunteers, and all those who contributed to the seamless running of the festival.
A heartfelt acknowledgement was reserved for the Festival Committee, whose tireless work throughout the year ensures the festival’s continued success. While the Festival Director, Dave Rees, was unable to be present, Bukowski publicly commended his leadership in growing the festival over the past three years.
Finally, special thanks were extended to adjudicator Ciaran McCauley, whose insightful and engaging critiques enriched the experience for all involved.
