Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This week the all-Ireland amateur one act drama festival takes place in Ennis and for the amateur drama movement it has been a particularly difficult 18 months, as we might appreciate. Many drama groups were preparing for the full-length drama festival when the pandemic hit. They had to cancel festivals and their plays were never performed. We have now finally seen the one act festival circuit over the past couple of weeks and I wish the best of luck to all the finalists in Ennis this weekend.

It is really important we acknowledge the amateur drama movement right across this country. Drama, musicals and such things bring our communities together but they all came to a shuddering halt. The local organisations kept going and although it will be difficult, it is important we support them in bringing our communities back together. To all of those taking part in the festival this weekend, we wish them the very best of luck. It is also important we remember the importance of amateur drama and musicals and how they bring our communities together. As we come out of this pandemic, we must support them because of the critical role they play.