Kilmeen and Charleville vie for title

DRAMA groups from Co Cork towns Kilmeen and Charleville are set to compete for All-Ireland honours in a theatre of golden dreams.

The RTÉ All-Ireland Open Drama Festival this year celebrates a 50-year association with the Dean Crowe Theatre and Arts Centre, Athlone, Co Westmeath, and the golden jubilee of John B Keane’s play, Sive.

Billy Keane will officially open the festival, which runs until May 9, tomorrow night on the stage where Listowel Drama Group won the All-Ireland with his father’s celebrated play, which captivated audiences countrywide.