The Eugene O'Neill International Festival of Theatre

14/10/2025

14/10/2025

14/10/2025

Music became the bridge between Ireland and the U.S. on Friday night at The Music of Carrig-on-Bannow concert — a joyful celebration of heritage, storytelling, and community.

The Music of Carrig-on-Bannow concert on Friday night was bursting with talent, tradition, and heart. Performances from Bar of Lough, Tulua, the Danescastle Music Group, Tanya and Oliver Murphy with Fergal O’Hanlon, PJ Sinnott, Ryan Stafford, Mick Harper, Sinéad Cassidy, and Cillian Cullen had the audience cheering from start to finish.

A highlight was a presentation to John and Pip Murphy, sons of the late Phil Murphy, honouring their lasting contribution to Irish music and culture. 🎻✨

Hosted by RTÉ’s Kieran Hanrahan in a Ceili House–style format, the evening captured the true spirit of Irish music — connection, joy, and belonging across generations and oceans.

💚 A night where heritage met harmony — and the music carried our shared story home.

Photos by Róisín Hensman

13/10/2025

A huge congratulations to Sheila, Eric, the entire cast, and crew for this deeply moving and memorable production of the world premiere of The Memory Room!

This powerful new Irish play by Sheila Forsey, directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes, brought together an extraordinary cast — Geraldine Plunkett, Donald Sage MacKay, Margaret Rossiter, and Seán O’Brien.

The story’s deep emotional layers, exploring memory, family, and truth, resonated strongly with audiences, setting the tone for a our festival weekend.

📸 Photos On Stage: by Róisín Hensman

13/10/2025

What a great night at St. Michael’s Theatre for The Hairy Ape!

Eugene O’Neill’s timeless story of identity, class, and belonging was brought vividly to life by a phenomenal international cast.

Directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes, this powerful production from the Eugene O’Neill Foundation wowed the audience with its emotional depth, striking visuals, and raw intensity.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the production, and helped make this cross-Atlantic collaboration such a success. 🌍✨

👏 Bravo to the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes for an unforgettable performance!

📸 Photos On Stage: by Róisín Hensman

12/10/2025

Visitors from the USA, cast members, and festival friends joined together on Saturday for a beautiful Festival Cruise on the Barrow Princess.

Sailing from New Ross Marina, guests enjoyed the stunning scenery along the Barrow Estuary, a light lunch, and wonderful entertainment from the Hayley Crosbie.

It was a joyful afternoon of music, laughter, and connection — a reminder of the magic that happens when people from both sides of the Atlantic come together to celebrate art, heritage, and community. ❤️

Thanks to Ann Hensman for these great photos!

11/10/2025

Last night’s Music of Carrig-on-Bannow concert was a huge success — the audience were captivated by the incredible talent of the young musicians from Danescastle Music Group with Bar of Lough, Tulua, and some of the finest musicians in the region — John, Pip, Tanya and Oliver Murphy with Fergal O’Hanlon, PJ Sinnott, Ryan Stafford, Mick Harper, Sinéad Cassidy, and Cillian Cullen.

A special highlight of the evening was the presentation to John and Pip Murphy, sons of the late Phil Murphy, in recognition of their remarkable contribution to the traditional musical heritage of the Carrig-on-Bannow area. Both were honoured with beautifully sculpted pieces by artist Mark Maher — a truly well-deserved tribute. 👏🎵

What a joyful celebration of music, heritage, and community spirit! ❤️

Pictured: John and Pip Murphy with Kieran Hanrahan, Mark Maher and Sean Reidy

10/10/2025

What an incredible opening night!

The Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre began in style with the world premiere of The Memory Room by Sheila Forsey — a powerful, moving story that had audiences spellbound. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and creative team for an unforgettable start to the festival! 🎭

If you missed it, The Memory Room returns Sunday, October 12th at 8pm — don’t miss your chance to see this extraordinary new Irish play.

Tonight — Friday, October 10th at 8pm: The Music of Carrig-on-Bannow brings the heart of Wexford’s music to life with TULUA and friends in an evening of song, story, and celebration. 🎶

Saturday, October 11th at 8pm: Eugene O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape roars to life with a powerhouse U.S. cast — raw, riveting, and unforgettable!

Join us at St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross for a weekend of world-class theatre and music.

Photos: Roisin Hensman

10/10/2025

“Excellent night in New Ross for the world premiere of Sheila Forsey’s The Memory Room at the Eugene O'Neill International Festival of Theatre. A well-structured and immersive story of a mother drifting into dementia and family secrets… Kudos to director Eric Fraisher Hayes for the surprises in the second act and the acting of Geraldine Plunkett (Glenroe, Fair City) and American actor Donald Sage Mackay (Girl From The North Country). Spellbinding performances!”

A heartfelt thank you to Liam Murphy of The Munster Express for this thoughtful review — and to our incredible cast and creative team for bringing this powerful story to life. 💫

Catch The Memory Room again this Sunday at St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross!

PHOTO: Roisin Hensman