Six local nominations for 2026 AIMS awards

There have been six nominations locally for the 2026 AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) Awards.

The AIMS Awards will take place this June in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, where societies from all across Ireland will gather to celebrate the very best in amateur musical theatre.

Jay Origan has been nominated for her role as Felicia Gabriel in Athlone Musical Society's The Witches of Eastwick. Jay is a co-founder of Offaly's newest theatre company, Fun House, and a teacher at Sacred Heart School in Tullamore.

Ballinasloe Musical Society received a total of five nominations in the Sullivan category for their production of Shrek: The Musical.

The Sullivan Award aims to recognise and celebrate outstanding performance and production achievements within a specific tier of amateur musical theatre. It honors the immense talent, dedication, and community spirit of musical societies

The nominations included those for Best Visual, as well as Best Ensemble.

Patrick Byrne was nominated for Best Comedian for his role as Lord Farquaad, while Emily Uí Cheallaigh was nominated for Best Comidienne for her role as Fiona.

Finally, Hannah Wright has been nominated for the Best Female Singer award for her role as Dragon.