Musical Society Prepare For Season 101

‘The Sound of Music’ held in the Town Hall Theatre was the first production to be staged by the local Musical Society since 2019, it  was a resounding success with all five performances sold out members of the Society were briefed at their recent AGM.

Secretary Greg Blackwell told the meeting it was a busy year for the society with members taking part in the annual Zombie walk along with providing refreshments at the turning on of the Christmas lights event in November.

Auditions were held in October for The Sound of Music and Chairperson Frances Leahy spoke of the great turn out of both children and adults on the day. She thanked the members of the cast who worked so hard to bring this much awaited show to stage. After a forced break of nearly 4 years it was great to see the society back in the Town Hall Theatre and entertaining audiences.

Thanks were extended to Ballinasloe Credit Union, the society’s main sponsor along with all the patrons & sponsors whose continued support is vital to the running of the society. Committee Member Gerard Sweeney presented the accounts on behalf of Treasurer Ellen Egan who was unable to attend and he advised the meeting that the cost of staging ‘The Sound of Music’ was close to €47,000 highlighting the importance of audience support/ticket sales, the continued support of our patrons & sponsors, along with some fundraising to cover extensive costs.

Thanks also were extended to the Gullane family for their continued support in providing space for Meetings & rehearsals in the run up to the show.

A huge team of people work together in a voluntarily capacity to stage any show – Stage crew, Costumes, make up and hair & front of house teams along with the committee give of their time to insure all runs smoothly. Thanks were extended to everyone that helped in any way over the months preceding the show and during the week itself.

Formal congratulations were extended to Gerard Sweeney on his recent election to Vice President of AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) and Gerard was also made an honorary life member of the society at the launch of the show in February.

As this year is the centenary of the Society, founded in 1923, the committee are planning a celebratory concert on Saturday October 21st. Details of this concert will be announced over the coming months.

The incoming committee elected for the coming year. Were President, Maureen Donohue, Joint Chairpersons, Frances Leahy & Lisa Whyte; Secretary, Greg Blackwell; Treasurer, Ellen Egan, Committee members, Eithne Blackwell, Gerard Sweeney & Jacinta Keane.

The new committee will start meetings shortly to decide on the 2024 show and the fun starts all over again!