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Created: 24 October 2022

The driver of the 'regular' train to Newry Patrick Murphy was hailed as a hero in his efforts to curtail his train's

impact on the runaway carriages. Although surviving the crash he died within the year from what we now know as PTSD.

Mark Brownlee, a regular at our OMNights with his incisive poetry, plays Murphy once again with equal directness.

Impact in verse...continued

An inquiry,a court and inquest as fingers are pointed for blame

The driver,stationmaster and Company all hang their heads in shame.

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Created: 22 October 2022

This year we formed Armagh Youth Theatre Group to offer teenagers the opportunity to develope the basic skills 

of the stage through weekly classes in Abbey Lane Theatre. Tutors, Aisling Kelly and Adam Trotter have an exciting 

programme in place leading to a performance by the youth group in Abbey Lane this coming spring.

'Impact' director Margery Quinn suggested using the group in her production after attending the classes and seeing the students enthusiasm.

So earlier than expected they will be on stage, this coming week, for 4 performances in front of packed audiences....what an experience!

IMPACT in verse: continued

The trains impact at frightening speed,steam and screams as babies cry

Clouds of smoke for the town to see rising with the souls that die.

Now bells ring out their clarion call and a town responds post haste

But as losses grow, eyes do flow for such a human waste......to continue

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Created: 21 October 2022

Goretti Moore brings all her years of stage craft to this lead  role of Mrs McGee the mother of Peggy injured

in the crash.

IMPACT; in verse continued.

Hurtling to their destiny in this panicked prison of wood

Ten wagons full of humanity praying where ever they stood.

Shouts of 'Help!'  confusion and fear from those securely locked in

Children thrown from windows on the sound of the 'Regular's' whistling.

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Created: 21 October 2022

Miss Penn, the inquest sectretary, has the vital task of recording the evidence of those interviewed.Gillian Faulkner portrays

this part with quite authority.

Impact in verse: continued

An eerie silence throughout the town as ninety are laid to rest,

And hundresd of injured are cared for by a community doing it best. ,,,,continued tomorrow

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Created: 20 October 2022

This morning we feature Sandra Armstrong taking on the part of 'Granny' who's slow pace meant her

lucky granddaughter is the last to board the train.

IMPACT story in verse.

Almost at the summit now the plan was split the train

'Take part to Bawn,time will allow'. Would end in blood and death and pain.

The last breakvan holds, the uncoupling complete but a shunt from the Engine starts the wheels to creep.

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Created: 19 October 2022

A thespian to his fingertips Kevin, while still directing the successful run of My Brilliant Divorce, has taken on the part of

Albert Flanagan rescuer at the crash scene.

IMPACT in verse;

A thousand souls both young and old,in high spirits their God to thank

Now on a journey doomed to never rise above the 'Armagh bank'

Was it lack of speed that momentum stalls all the drivers fault ,

Or the overloading - human greed- that grinds the train to a halt? ......continued tomorrow.

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Created: 18 October 2022

Hilary Good is more than true to her name when she steps on stage. Her talent shines with each role she plays.

IMPACT in verse;

Smoke and steam and whistles, shouts of ''Board'' with doors tight locked

Carriages filled to overflow and even passageways blocked.

Leaving now the big wheels skid as the driver applies full power

Then slowly hauls his heavy load mid a light passing shower.

The town has fallen Sunday quiet, that early buzz has gone

A baby cries, a bark, a bell echoes on and on and on.

Our Stationmaster now sipping tea while the 'regular' Newry departs

A calm returns to his domaine but an unfolding disaster starts.....   Continued tomorrow

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Created: 16 October 2022

A welcome return by Sean McCann to the stage bringing his artistic stamp to the onerous part of Elliot (Chief clerk, Dundalk depot) 

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Created: 15 October 2022

Enhancing ATG's pool of strong female talent  Monique Rennie plays the role of 'Nurse Jenny' in the Infirmary  

during the time of the tragedy.

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Created: 14 October 2022

Ruairi's acting talent and stature are perfect for this role as Prison Warden

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Created: 13 October 2022

Returning in the part of McGrath (Excursion train driver) the ever sweet Charlie Guy 

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Created: 12 October 2022

A busy year for Bridie with a long run in My Brilliant Divorce she now takes on the role of (Hospital Secretary) in Impact

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Created: 11 October 2022

A warm welcome to newcomer Eugene McStravick playing Thomas Henry (excursion train guard) 

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Created: 10 October 2022

Michael Quinn plays the part of HUTCHINSON, leader of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch

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Created: 23 September 2022

Students from our youth theatre group go through lessons lead by Aisling Kelly and Adam Trotter each Saturday morning in Abbey Lane Theatre.

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Created: 17 January 2022

Alone at Christmas.

Psychiatric advice.

A 'short ' chat up. 

'Things' don't quite fit in the bedroom scene.

Gynae advice on shapes and sizes.

Shopping for the right toy.

Camping in Wales, in rain.

Granny freezes!

Rehearsing the anticipated adulation, THE END!

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Created: 17 November 2020

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Created: 24 October 2019

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Created: 02 October 2019

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Created: 24 June 2019

Our recent production IMPACT Armagh Train Disaster played to full houses all week with many encouraging compliments from the audience each night.

Postings on social media and comments after each performance confirmed to us that something special was staged last week.

The concerted effort by Armagh Theatre Group and JoJo's Spotlight Dance and Drama Studios over  April and May really bore fruit as prolonged applause and standing ovations followed each show.

From the start of the Writers meetings in early Feb to the reading of our first draft in Abbey Lane on 10th April. Re-writes and start of rehearsals on 2nd May, then our first full dress rehearsal June 11th,  prior to our 'Opening' on the 130th anniversary of the disaster, everyone gave full comittment.