New Director looks forward to another All-Ireland Drama Festival in Athlone

As curtain-up appproaches for the All-Ireland Drama Festival on May 8, there is a new name filling the role of Festival Director.

Michael McGlone was appointed to the pivotal RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival committee position in late 2024, the Donegal native taking over the role from outgoing Director Regina Bushell who held the post for a six-year term.

Having served on the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival committee since 2019, McGlone, who has resided in Athlone since 2002, now fulfils the chief role as the 2025 hosting of this prime fixture on Athlone's social calendar takes centre stage next month.

To run from May 8-17 inclusive, the RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival features nine of the country's finest amateur drama groups who will grace the Dean Crowe Theatre stage in the hope of claiming the prized RTE perpetual trophy accolade at the gala awards ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone which traditionally closes the event.

In relaxed mode on the decking of the Radisson Blu Hotel as the sun glistens off the River Shannon, the Festival Director spoke of his aspirations for what is to come as amateur drama aficionados descend on Athlone for a veritable feast of artistic culture.

Initially approached by Joe McCarrick to assist with front of house duties in the Dean Crowe Theatre at the 2019 All-Ireland Drama Festival, Michael then became a committee member, serving the role of Events Manager in 2024 prior to taking on the role of Festival Director for this year's cultural event.

McGlone paid tribute to former Festival Director Regina Bushell and the manner in which she has assisted him since his AGM ratification for the role."Committee continuity is essential and I thank Regina for the help she has given to me since stepping away from the role. I was able to shadow her during last year's All-Ireland Drama Festival and learn from her as the week unfolded," Michael added.

In his capacity as Festival Director, Michael's focus is to ensure the participating drama groups are catered for in the "best possible manner" when they arrive in Athlone.

"It truly is a unique experience for all the groups and we must ensure that the high standards set by previous committees are maintained once again this year. At the close of each festival we request feedback from the drama groups so we can use all positive suggestions received going forward," Michael said.

RTÉ remains on board as the festival's main sponsor and this year will provide coverage of the closing night's gala ball on their social media platforms, a first for the All-Ireland Drama Festival.

"We have been working with RTÉ during the year and thankfully they have offered to provide coverage of this year's gala ball on their social media platforms. Unfortunately we are limited to the numbers which can attend the gala ball so the online coverage will allow the communities whom the respective drama groups represent to view the awards ceremony. The live coverage of our 'mini oscars' will also enhance the promotion of the All-Ireland Drama Festival and add a degree of professionalism to the occasion," Michael added.

A schedule of events are also slated for inclusion as part of the Festival Fringe and it is an aspect of the week which Michael believes can be further developed.

"It is essential that we develop the Festival Fringe events as they too are a core part of the cultural experience in Athlone during festival week. We have a close relationship with Athlone Little Theatre who contribute to our Festival Fringe annually, but I would also like to see additional local amateur groups become more involved going forward. Collaborations with local amateur drama groups can only be a positive experience for future festivals," Michael continued.

"The Schools' Playwright Competition, sponsored by St Jarlath's Credit Union, is a major feature of the Festival Fringe and one which has gained in popularity through the years. However, we need to make sure that the younger generations are encouraged to participate in more Festival Fringe events as they are the future," Michael said.

Michael remarked upon the "great work" of his fellow committee members to date, acknowledging that such a collective approach to the hosting of the festival will ensure that the participating drama groups and visitors to Athlone will savour the experience when the Dean Crowe Theatre stage curtain parts on May 8.