Rehearsals in full swing for Cashel Choral and Dramatic Society's latest show

Rehearsals are well underway for Cashel Choral and Dramatic Society’s 2026 production-A Tale of the Expected by Maynooth-based author and playwright, Martina Murphy.

The play is a bittersweet comedy telling the story of eighteen-year-old schoolgirl, Lana and Polish boy, Roman who, unexpectedly, find themselves about to become parents. The drama unfolds in modern-day Ballyfermot where the youngsters struggle to find common ground. A clash of personality, of families and of cultures combine to create an uplifting and emotional night of theatre.

Playwright Martina Murphy is an international best-selling playwright and author of fiction such as The Wrath, and crime novels such as The DS Lucy Golden series. In 2016 Murphy founded the production and theatre company, Down at Heel Productions, for which she penned A Tale of the Expected, which was subsequently performed in several venues nationwide.

Cashel Choral and Dramatic Society will be the second and only other group to perform this contemporary and exciting play.

In 2025, Cashel Choral and Dramatic Society took to the stage with gusto to mark their 90th anniversary with Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Hall. The production was a huge success and a credit to long- running director and producer, Oliver Corbett.

This year the directorial reins have been handed over to Carrie Kavanagh. Despite taking to the director’s chair for the first time, Kavanagh is no stranger to the society, both on and off the stage. She first performed in Riders to the Sea in 2004 and has rarely missed a production since.

Carrie also makes a significant contribution to the Society as a dedicated committee member. With her wealth of acting experience and a keen eye for detail, Carrie directs the cast with creativity, insight and authenticity. The cast of five women and three men is a mix of seasoned Society actors and one newcomer, Oisín O’Dwyer, who plays young, deflated Dad-to-be, Roman.

The play will run from November 19th to 22nd in Brú Ború, Cashel. Tickets are available from the venue online at www.bruboru.ie or by phone 062 61122 and from O’Dwyer’s Pharmacy, Main St, Cashel, 062 61318. Tickets are €20.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Thursday evening performance (November 19th) has been cancelled. Tickets already purchased for Thursday 19th will be honoured on any of the other nights.

Audiences can expect adult themes and strong language.