Call on council to honour drama festival ‘success story’The “wonderful success story” that is RTE All Ireland Drama Festival should be recognised by the council in this, its 70th year, according to Deputy Mayor Cllr Aengus O'Rourke. “As far back as 1952, I suppose the first seeds for a national drama festival were sown here in Athlone. “In 1953 the first drama festival was held in the Sportex hall which was the community facility attached to the Gentex factory, which was the leading employer in the town. As everyone knows, it's very difficult to come up with festivals, so to have one with the prominence and prestige as the All Ireland Drama Festival is something to be celebrated, he maintained, seeking the support of other members to honour the festival with an address of recognition. The proposal will now go before the next Corporate Policy Group of Westmeath County Council for a decision.

Source: Irish Independent April 15, 2022 00:33 UTC