
By Dan Walsh
Enniscorthy-born actor Fintan Kelly is writer and director of an exciting new play ‘Farsiders’ and the world premiere takes place in the Presentation Arts Centre on Tuesday night, and there are also performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Saturday.
Fintan told WexfordLocal.com; “I’m delighted that the premiere night is all sold out. It is in memory of Joe Doyle who died during Covid when we were under lockdown and we didn’t get a chance to say a proper farewell, so this is a celebration of Joe Doyle’s life.” Joe was a tremendous supporter of Enniscorthy Drama Group and all proceeds are going towards the Wexford branch of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
‘Farsiders’ is an original play by Fintan Kelly set in a ‘dole’ (unemployment) office in 1981, featuring seven characters on stage, exploring love, tragedy and events that were part of life at the time with particular focus on the social weekend events and the the way we were back then!
The play was launched recently at a pleasant reception held at Enniscorthy IFA Farm Centre by local broadcaster and journalist Jimmy Gahan.
Jimmy said he was privileged that Fintan asked him to launch his play. “Apart from being a wonderful actor and theatrical personality” Fintan is a wonderful and successful person that has appeared in many plays and film pieces, including Fair City (RTE 1). Gahan gave a detailed outline of his progress and success, and he wished him well with the world premiere of Farsiders which marks his debut as a playwright.
Liam Doyle, Chairman of Enniscorthy Drama Group thanked Fintan Kelly for writing the play “because without a play we couldn’t have any great cause to be here,” and he complimented Fintan for giving his time to produce and direct the play as well, and he thanked the cast and committee in producing this play.
Tickets are still available for shows towards the end of the week and full details are available at www.presentationcentre.ie