Dublin South RTA

This one-woman-show is a comical yet poignant look at life, from childhood in the 1950’s, to the present day.  It draws very much on the influence of religion as taught by the nuns–preparing young Irish Catholic schoolgirls to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary.  They were to be meek, humble and pure.  How well did this help them cope with the huge social changes of the following decades?  Were the fanciful dreams of youth fulfilled?

This journey of self-discovery is interspersed with well-known hit songs from the various eras, sung by Catherine Gallagher.

The six Marys are fun-loving girlfriends, who grow into practical, everyday housewives.   The light-hearted atmosphere helps us concentrate on their journeys through the decades– delivering all kinds of sharp and comical observations.  Jean has plenty to say about the teenage pursuit of Mr Wonderful—followed by the reality of married life, teenage children and growing waistlines.

And, when our children grow up eventually and leave home, what lies ahead then—a big void or peace at last?

                                     Written and presented by Jean Farrell.

        Directed by Joe McCarrick

The Six Marys will be performed in Theatre@36, Teachers’ Club in Parnell Sq Dublin, on Fri 3rd and Sat 4th of Oct at 8 pm.  Booking at 087 3489609

“Really really funny—and SO true to life.”

“Haven’t laughed so much in years—LOVED it”

“I had forgotten all those things—WONDERFUL show.”

Jean Farrell  Athlone    087 2734503     jeanfarrell@live.ie

If you, like me, are a grandparent, often called on at a moment’s notice, or no notice at all, to look after one or more fractious grandchildren, in Dublin’s often inclement weather, then a new fun indoors play centre, opened recently in Dundrum Shopping Centre may be the answer to all your prayers!

While south Dublin has no shortage of parks and playgrounds, it is often the case that when it is your turn to babysit the “man above” seems to conspire against you and the heavens open destroying all your plans to get out of the house to give your grandchildren an opportunity to expend nervous energy in a safe environment.

Now, if for the sake of your sanity you need to get out of the house, you can head for the Dundrum Shopping Centre where Seamus Ó Loingsigh has opened the first Funky Monkeys’ Soft Play Cafe in the Republic of Ireland.

Funky Monkeys provides the ideal environment to allow children’s imaginations to run riot, to have wonderful adventures and to engage in active play.  At the same time you, the grandparent can relax, have a cup of coffee and a chat while keeping an eye on the young ones in case they become a bit over enthusiastic.

So I may see you in Dundrum sometime while we are on duty!

‘The men that is now is only all palaver and what they can get out of you’ so says Lily, the caretakers daughter in The Dead
In this performance we will take a look at ‘Irishness’ and the Irish male, as portrayed by Joyce.

A contrast may be made with the brave women in New York and Paris who helped publish Ulysses and supported Joyce.
The miscellany  will feature songs alluded to in Dubliners, Ulysses and Finnegan’s Wake as well as ragtime and maybe jazz.
Michael and Eithne Shanley will star with Colm ‘Stride; O’ Brien on piano

This miscellany will take place on September 30th in Club na Múinteoirí beginning at 11.30 a.m.  The usual entry fee of €5 to include lunch will be levied. 

We were royally entertained on Tuesday 25th February when Martin Enright delivered a wonderful presentation about the Yeats’ countryside.  This presentation encompassed so much more than a mere sketch of the countryside around Sligo that inspired so much of the poetry of Yeats.

It was also a presentation that resonated with archaeological insights, and asides on the wonders of nature, the flora and fauna, the barnacle goose and so much more that our members were enthralled  for the duration of the lecture.  We need Martin back to impart more of his passion for his subject and perhaps also to tease us with his knowledge of music and some more poetry readings!