A magnificent feast of comedy, drama, song and dance rolled into one wonderful package was what waited patrons at this year’s Marian Players pantomime in Rathnore which packed them in night after night.
The colourful and engaging production of Puss’n Boots attracted full houses which culminated in a contribution of €24,000 to Kerry Parents and Friends which was the chosen beneficiary.
The annual panto is a magnificent community project that obliterates the Kerry-Cork border, temporarily at least, as it attracted droves of people, of all ages, from both sides of the county bounds.
Rich in comedy and with a strong storyline and great talent, the show offered real value which was acknowledged in no small way by the better than ever public support it received.
After a most successful week, the group also acknowledged the many years of dedicated work for the organisation by Hugh Ryan who recently retired as chairperson of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association.
Treasurer Eilish Coakley said it as wonderful to see the input of so many new people in addition to so many of the regular team, both on and off stage.
She presented the cheque for €24,000 to Helen Power, acting chairperson of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association.
The night was an individual triumph for the multi-talented Brian Hickey who brilliantly played the part of an ogre as well as co-producing the entire show alongside panto veteran Val Moynihan.
Brian, of course, is no stranger to the stage having played the lead role of Patrick in a 2016 musical drama penned by his fellow Rathmore man, journalist and author Aidan O’Connor, who recalled the story of a local man who was gunned down during the 1916 Rising on Moore Street a week after joining the conflict.
Pictures: Seamus Healy
Reach thousands of readers every single day: To advertise call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
