The Field at 50: John B Keane’s legacy rests in good hands

Hands — first nights are all about hands. Hands for shaking, sweating, hugging, backslapping, pint-holding, but mostly clapping.

First nights of John B Keane plays are special, not just for family members, who are here in strength, but for our extended theatrical family and the Kerry diaspora.

The Gaiety — the Grand Old Lady of South King St — has hosted Keane plays for half a century or more of its near century and half existence. It’s home from home for the Keane clan in Dublin — we have always been welcome here, no questions asked.