Rathkenny Hall at 75: ‘I owe a lot to that hall’ - Actor Francesca Garry

Rathkenny actor Francesca Garry credited her involvement in the Revels with sparking her love of acting.

She recalled that it was her first time performing in front of an audience - one example of the hall’s lasting role in nurturing local talent.

“When I think of Rathkenny hall I think of spirit and youthful exuberance, being carefree. I think of all the times I ran in a hurried fashion afraid I’d missed the start of rehearsals that could possibly be mistaken as lack of commitment to the show, that would simply be the pits for 10 year old me.

“The hall felt safe and warm, somewhere that everyone, including myself was at ease.

“Rathkenny hall was an anchor in an ever changing world. It felt timeless in the best sense of the word. Looking back at my time spent there now since having chosen the life of an actor I strive to remember every tiny detail within those four walls. I think it was the first time I stepped on the stage, blinded by the light at the back wall, seats full and my heart beating ninety. The words “spaghetti spaghetti your wonderful stuff”followed and so did the applause. It was that moment for sure .

“I owe a lot to the that hall.”