Very special occasion as Offaly man's 90th birthday celebrated in style

BIRR Theatre and Arts Gallery hosted a gathering on Saturday last to mark the very special occasion of Frank McNamara’s 90th birthday.

Frank arrived with a big smile on his face and thrilled to see so many in the Theatre that he loves so much.

Entertainment was the order of the day as the guests were seated and treated to light refreshments which was served by staff of the theatre. It was a most enjoyable celebration with theatre manager Emma Nee Haslam welcoming everyone and wishing Frank a happy birthday.

Memories were in abundance as Enda O’Connor accompanied the singers including Ann Hogan and Michael Campbell, and a slide show of photographs from the past featuring Frank in so many different roles, such as with Birr Theatre, Birr Vintage Week and his role with Birr Swimming Pool, rolled over in the background.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy recalled how and when she met Frank McNamara which was “about four decades ago” she said. She mentioned how Frank would bring up in group chats “wouldn’t it be great to have a theatre in Birr. At first,” said Marcella, “it might seem to be mad, but it wasn’t because of the tradition of theatre in Birr and Little Theatre and drama that Birr was so well known for at the time,” she said. Marcella mentioned how Frank was the one to spearhead the renovations to Oxmantown Hall way back then.

“Frank never wanted to hear the word no, he drove on regardless with the fantastic capacity to keep others motivated,” she said. She spoke about his “commitment and giving to community” and wished him an enjoyable afternoon.

A name well known for writing, directing and acting in plays is Michael Donegan and he gave a rather humorous account of his years meeting and working alongside Frank. “Tony Hogan introduced us over 50 years ago,” he said and Tony introduced him to Birr Stage Guild by inviting him to a reading of “The Playboy of the Western World”. He went on to mention all the “new people” he met on that night and who were to become his friends.

Michael’s recollection of their many rehearsals and the “drama off stage” brought the invited guests to peals of laughter. He recalled all the plays and pantos that were staged where Frank was involved and the “great talent, huge encourager and total dedication” Frank had.

He spoke of Frank’s life as a teacher and vice principal in St Brendan’s Primary School, the offices Frank held at local and national level with the teachers union, his contribution to the setting up of Birr Swimming Pool, his work with Birr Show, Birr Vintage Week, his charity work as President and member of Birr Lions, Captain of Birr Golf Club and committee member and his mammoth task of spear heading the renovations of Birr Theatre.

“All this,” said Michael “and much more, as well as caring for his wonderful family who are gathered here with us today”. Michael complimented Frank’s late wife who he said “was central to all of his activities” as he thanked Frank for all his work through the years.

Michael Campbell also spoke of the great encouragement that Frank gave to him as a young boy nervous at coming on stage. The one thread running through what all the speakers had to say, was Frank’s great encouragement to everyone that he worked with.

The celebrations commenced with Frank’s daughter Cliodhna reading an humorous and well meaning poem she penned for the occasion.