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Politicians John Brassil, Grace O’Donnell, Arthur Spring, Toireasa Ferris and Pa Daly with Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan at the launch of Tralee Musical Society’s ‘The Beautiful Game’ on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
LOCAL politicians showed showed some pretty good skills at a special 5-a-side soccer match on stage at Siamsa Tíre on Sunday morning.
The unusual location was apt, as the event was held to launch Tralee Musical Society’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Beautiful Game’, which will be performed at the venue next month.
Election candidates, John Brassil (FF), Arthur Spring (Lab) and Grace O’Donnell (FG) were joined by Pa Daly and Toireasa Ferris of Sinn Fein in a surprising cross-party alliance that yielded a result on the day.
They faced Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan with TraleeToday.ie columnist Orlagh Winters, Tralee Chamber Alliance President John Drummey, Radio Kerry’s Andrew Morrissey and Rose Escort of the Year Shane Kenny making up the opposing side.
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There was plenty goalmouth action and drama – referee James Finnegan gave a penalty to each side and brandished a couple of cards – but in the end the politicians prevailed, winning 4-2 in front of a good crowd of onlookers and cast members.
Continued below video of opening goal…
Oliver Hurley speaking at the launch on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Director of the forthcoming production, Oliver Hurley, said he was very excited about the year ahead for the Society and was delighted to get the opportunity to put on a show of such passion and relevance in Siamsa.
Cast members then took to the stage and performed two songs from the production (see short video of an excerpt from one of the numbers below).
Tralee Musical Society chose to produce a show that they felt was very apt for the year that’s in it, and has a sense of patriotism about it. Combining sports, politics, and a Romeo and Juliet romance, it is an Irish story about young people on the verge of adulthood, wanting to love, play football and lead normal lives in a city dominated by violence and hatred.
Andrew Morrissey gets a shot in despite Pa Daly’s efforts. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Beautiful Game is a West End hit which depicts the story of the troubles in Northern Ireland. It is a humourous, dramatic, and powerful show.
Set in 1969 Belfast, this original musical concerns a local young Catholic football team, whose lives are derailed by the Irish Troubles. Focusing on five of the teams’ players, the priest who manages them, and the girls with whom the lads are involved with, this show is filled with dark humour and teenage awkwardness.
The Beautiful Game will be performed in Siamsa Tire from March 30 to April 3. Call Siamsa on 066-7123055 for ticket details.
Scroll down for more photos from the launch…
Andrew Morrissey, Orlagh Winters, Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan, John Drummey and Shane Kenny formed at team to play the politicians. Photo by Dermot Crean
Rose of Tralee Elysha Brennan with Sarah and Kayla Griffin at the launch on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Zoe Riordan, Tara Dore and Rachel Quirke at the launch on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mike Leahy, Catherine O’Connor and Martin Hurley at the launch on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Arthur Spring has a shot. Photo by Dermot Crean
Grace O’Donnell tackles Elysha Brennan. Photo by Dermot Crean
