An All-Ireland achievement: Two Longford actors involved in award-winning play

‘Wildings’ is an original play written by Elaine Birkett and directed by Phil Gilbride, which won the All-Ireland One Act Drama League. It stars two Longford actors, Padraig Reilly and Oisin Hourican, as well as Elizabeth Doonan and Charlotte O’Neill.

This was under Hoodwinked Theatre Productions, which Elaine runs, and also gave a unique twist to the making of the performance by not only writing in it, but having a small role.

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Padraig Reilly, who is from Moyne and attended Moyne Community School, chatted about the success and journey that led to the play winning this award.

“We would’ve attended 5 festivals in total before the final. We won 4. By winning them, we could meet the criteria to be accepted in the final. You’re up against all of Ireland, whatever best plays for the weekend. It was a weekend festival in Tubbercurry to win the All-Ireland.”

He described the Longford connections that both he and Oisin have.

“I went to Moyne school. I finished in the early 2000s, around 2001. I never did acting until I went to Australia and studied part-time in Sydney for two years, which was interesting. Since coming back to Ireland, I’ve been with the Cornmill Theatre and a few short movies.

“Oisin Hourican is from Moyne. He went to Moyne Community School as well. He’s quite an established actor, having a lot of plays with the Cornmill and other production companies. He is also currently directing a play quite soon.

He’s studying part-time, directing in Maynooth. He will put that play on in a few months. He’s quite a young guy to direct a big play.”

The awards were given on Sunday, December 7, adding a big achievement to the Longford actors’ performance resumes. There are plans to do two home shows back in Carrigallen, back in the Corn Mill Theatre.

Elaine Birkett also took time to reflect on her original piece being recognised nationwide. Having started to write it in 2024, she has been with the Corn Mill Theatre Group since 2019. A supporter of Irish amateur theatre, she believes that more attention should be given to it.

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'Wildings’ also meant that theatremakers collaborated with each other. She noted that some were from Backstage Theatre, Longford.

“Someone said ('Wildings') provided resolution to something they had for a long time. The story that is told is still resonant with people. It’s important with our heritage. People were tearful, but recognising it in a positive sense, they thoroughly enjoyed experiencing it on stage.”

She confirmed that there are hopes to have other showings in Leitrim and Cavan in January, 2026, following the success.