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AN INVITATION has been sent to the President of Ireland to attend the upcoming production of 'Patrick' in Killarney. On behalf of the cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District, Councillor Brendan Cronin, an invitation has today issued to President Michael D Higgins to a performance of the musical drama at the INEC on Thursday, October 27, at 8pm. A response from the President's office is awaited.

Theatregoers were overjoyed in recent weeks when it was announced that the hit drama was to return to the venue for one night only.

Written and directed by local author and journalist Aidan O’Connor, the musical drama tells the moving 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 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.

Despite several requests to take ‘Patrick’ to other venues around Kerry, Dublin, and London, the October 27 date will be the final showing of the hugely successful amateur production.

A civic reception is to be awarded by Kerry County Council to the cast and crew later this year.

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. We are thrilled Aidan and crew have decided to return to the INEC after an extremely successful run in May.”

A matinee performance will be held for students on October 27 at 11am. The show that night is at 8pm. For details on tickets, contact the INEC Box Office; telephone 064-6671555.
 

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