There are some weeks where everything just clicks – where community, creativity, and conversation come together in a way that reminds you why local stories matter so much. This was one of those weeks. I had the pleasure of meeting Damien from Sligo Drama Circle, on behalf of Sligo PPN, for the Sligo Community Voices podcast, and I got to find out more about the Sligo Drama Circle.
This year marks a remarkable milestone: 70 years of Sligo Drama Circle. In a world where everything moves so quickly, there’s something incredibly grounding about a group that has been consistently bringing stories to life for generations.
Damien, the group’s treasurer, has been part of that story for 40 years. Four decades of rehearsals, productions, laughter, problem-solving, and applause. Sitting with him, you get a real sense that this isn’t just a hobby – it’s a passion.
And then there’s the space itself. Walking behind the scenes felt like stepping into a living archive. Posters and photographs lined the walls – production after production stretching back to the 1970s – each one a snapshot of a moment in time, a cast, a story told.
I even got a glimpse of the sets and costumes for their latest production, The Snapper, and it’s shaping up to be a very special production. I’ve seen some of their productions before, and they are amazing. The Snapper is running in the Hawk’s Well Theatre – a venue that holds its own special connection to the drama circle.
Because here’s something I didn’t fully appreciate before: the Sligo Drama Circle played a significant role in fundraising for a theatre in Sligo. That effort helped pave the way for what is now the Hawk’s Well. It’s one of those full-circle moments – from grassroots fundraising to performing on that very stage decades later.
And as if celebrating 70 years wasn’t enough, there’s another lovely milestone on the horizon – the group will be releasing a book this November documenting the history of Sligo Drama Circle. A fitting tribute to decades of creativity, community, and commitment, and no doubt a treasure trove of memories for anyone who has ever been involved – on stage or off.
What really stood out in my conversation with Damien, though, was the emphasis on community. Not in a vague, feel-good way, but in a tangible, practical, deeply human way.
Being part of the Sligo PPN has opened doors for collaboration and support between groups. A perfect example? Sligo Men’s Shed, who have been helping with set-building for the past few years. It’s these kinds of connections that quietly strengthen the fabric of a place. In fact, James and John from Sligo Men’s Shed, told me about their connection to Sligo Drama Circle in their Sligo PPN podcast episode.
It was a genuine pleasure to spend time learning more about Sligo Drama Circle – their history, their passion, and their continued relevance in 2026. Seventy years in, and they’re still evolving, still creating, still drawing crowds (tickets for The Snapper are, unsurprisingly, flying). Buy your tickets here: https://www.hawkswell.com/whats-on/shows/the-snapper
If you want to hear more from Damien – including stories from his 40 years with the group and a deeper dive into everything we touched on – you can listen to the full podcast episode.
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