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The drama Patrick returns to the INEC for one night only on October 27. PICTURE: PADRAIG HEALY

STANDING ovations greeted every staging of the top-class production Patrick, which I was privileged to see at the INEC when it returned to the venue on October 27.

The mesmerising play, by local journalist and author Aidan O’Connor, visibly moved an audience that spanned several generations and elicited tears and laughter as the talented cast portrayed the life and times of Rathmore man Patrick O’Connor.

This is a production that brings a chapter of history to life an incomparable fashion and this evening the cast and crew will be back for something of an encore as a civic reception will be held for the team behind Patrick, at The Malton Hotel, at 7pm.

The musical drama tells the poignant story of the final months of the life of Patrick O’Connor from Rathmore – one of the four Kerry men to die during the six-day rebellion during Easter, 1916.

The play had also sold out six shows earlier this year and over 3,000 people came to see the production when last staged at the INEC in May.

Writer Aidan O’Connor said that the reaction to ‘Patrick’ has been phenomenal. “The script, the story and the remarkable talent of the actors and performers have moved people beyond all expectations. It’s powerful to see history come so alive,” he said.

The managing director of the Gleneagle Group and the INEC, Patrick O’Donoghue, said: “This is a fantastic production and a brilliant musical drama.”
 

 
The drama Patrick when it was staged in the INEC on October 27.
PICTURE: PADRAIG HEALY