New play based on Moore history set for stage

A new play, based on a period of history in the parish of Moore, will take to the stage later this month.

'Mathers of Falty’ has been written by local author and playright Sandra Warde-Kilduff, who described it as “the heartbeat of Moore”.

It will be presented by the Moore History Group and is supported by other local groups including the Moore Drama Group, the ICA, the IFA, Moore Community Council, Moore and Cloonfad choirs and the red Salamander Theatre Company.

It is based on the saga of the Scottish landlord family, Mather, who bought lands in Moore in 1852 and based themselves in Falty. The play covers the period between 1852 and 1920.

The play moves through a number of key developments in the area including the Falty evictions, the rise of the Land League, the cattle drives in Clonburren and the fall of the Mathers.

The cattle drives were so significant at the time that they even got a mention in the House of Commons. As part of her research, Ms Warde-Kilduff consulted local and colonial newspapers, family records and court records.

“People were evicted. It was terribly sad and left a sour taste among the people of Moore. They (the Mathers) were ruthless landlords. In 1920 they left and the family died off after that,” said Ms Warde-Kilduff.
“We want to bring the history of Moore to the people. There is enormous interest in it,” she added.

Thirty local people, ranging from 16 to 75, are currently rehearsing four nights a week, in anticipation of the three nights of concerts. Some of the cast are newcomers, while others have taken part in previous productions in the parish.
Some of the cast are playing roles of their ancestors, who were key figures in the cattle drives.

Ms Warde-Kilduff began to carry out her research after the Moore History Group, of which she is a member, suggested that she write a play on the Mather family and the cattle drives, in advance of the 1916 commemorations next year.

She spent several months researching, interviewing and writing and
is currently writing a book on the same topic which is expected to be published next year.

“I wanted to write it with the good-hearted Irish sense of humour and the new Moore rising out of the sadness of the famine and the evictions. It focuses on the courage of the people in rising again,” she said.

“It was a big project to take on. We had to design a new set,” she said.
'Mathers of Falty’ will take to the stage on November 27, 28 and 29, starting at 8pm. Tickets, at a cost of €10 for adults and €5 for children, will be available on the door each night.