A Dog’s Winner Dinner

They like it ruff!

he Delgany ICA Drama Group are clearing barking up the right tree with their latest homegrown production.

At the recent 44th Bray One-Act Drama Festival, the gang’s A Dog’s Life got more than just a round of a-paws.

They only went and got the gong for Best Comedy.

“Our name being called out on the night was greeted with with woofs of delight,” says the pun-happy drama group member (and first-time director) Tracey Byrne. “We were very proud of the production, but it still caught us all by surprise to be named Best Comedy. A wonderful achievement for everyone involved…”

And another trophy for the Delgany ICA mantlepiece. As young Byrne is quick to point out, these drama group productions are very much a team effort, and with as many talented members behind the scenes as up on stage. A special shout-out has to go to make-up artist Ger Gilroy for creating such diamond dogs.

“Sourcing plays and reading scripts is just the beginning of the fun journey when we stage a play,” says Tracey. “Meeting up initially in each other’s house, the real work begins when we sit down to the fabled ICA tea and cake – and sometimes even something stronger. From there, the rehearsals whizz by, and then, suddenly, the curtain rises…”

For Pam Valentine’s A Dog’s Life, Miriam McKeever plays frisky puppy Ginger, Rosaleen Mullen the dependable Ben, Deirdre Keegan as the haughty Fritz and Beth Holmes the past-her-prime poodle Fife, the human roles taken on by Rita Byrne (as the energetic warden) and Margaret Ryan (as the selective visitor). That this was Byrne’s directorial debut made the win all the more, eh, pawsome.

“It was just a magical night,” finishes Tracey, “and A Dog’s Life was a joy from day one. Roll on next year!”