Leitrim cast shines on one-act stage as Hoodwink claim All-Ireland finals

Belturbet-based Hoodwink Theatre Productions have secured All-Ireland glory with their acclaimed one-act drama Wildling, rounding off a dominant festival season that saw the group win four out of five drama festivals — with Leitrim’s Elizabeth Doonan playing a pivotal role in the production’s success.

Wildling, written by Elaine Birkett and directed by Phil Gilbride, is set along a moonlit lakeside in 1981 Ireland and delves into themes of friendship, loss, trauma and resilience. Its atmospheric staging and emotionally charged performances have made it one of the standout one-act productions of the 2025 circuit.

Doonan — a Drumkeerin actor and long-standing member of the Corn Mill Theatre — delivered a commanding performance as Fiadh Connolly, earning Best Actress (Confined) at the Corn Mill Theatre’s 21st Annual One Act Drama Festival.
Festival adjudicator Evelyn O’Sullivan praised the production, describing Wildling as “one of those rare pieces where everything lands exactly as it should.”

Hoodwink’s technical team — Jeff Keogh, Mark McDermott and Seamus Farrell — were also recognised along the festival route, winning Best Stage Craft in Carrigallen for their creation of the play’s eerie, dreamlike world.

Their strong season propelled Hoodwink into the All-Ireland One-Act Drama Finals, where eleven amateur drama groups from across the country competed at St Brigid’s Hall Theatre, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, culminating on December 7. Amid fierce national competition, Wildling rose to the top, securing Hoodwink the prestigious All-Ireland title.

The victory is being celebrated on both sides of the Cavan–Leitrim border, with Leitrim performers and crew central to one of the most impressive one-act runs in recent years.

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