OUR BEGINNINGS WERE HUMBLE
In 1993 the play ‘Dopey Dan’ established Abbeyfeale Folk. This proved to be a massive success! Fundraising continued and in 1997 Abbeyfeale Folk Ltd. was incorporated. As Limerick County Council had gifted a site to us some years previously this facilitated the location for a second hand portocabin, our first home!
The Riveroak Millenium Project was initiated. Architectural plans for the new theatre complex were drawn up and in 1998 construction got under way. Construction and fundraising continued side by side. A nomadic existence was coming to a close!
In December 2000 a season of get together talks on folk drama and ceolta cois teallaigh began in An Cliabhan Riveroak Studio, Convent Road, Abbeyfeale. Work on the kitting out phase of the theatre continued a pace. In 2001 a series of master classes for adults commenced in speech and stage movement in An Cliabhan.
Finally, in March 2003 Glorach Theatre opened its doors and ushered in an exciting era for drama and folk tradition and the curtain rose on our group’s presentation and the first public performance of ‘Moll’ and ‘Swansong’ at our permanent home! A major fundraising drive was launched with an Easter 2005 Grand Variety Concert all proceeds went towards the building term loan.
From a humble second hand portocabin to the fully kitted out new Glorach Theatre, in 2006 our open door policy was launched to benefit the local community. Plans were put in place to produce a special play and pageant in honour of the centenary of the land league priest Fr. Casey whose statue stands in the Square, Abbeyfeale. With a cast of over fifty local artists the centenary tribute was presented in 2007. It was a roaring success!
Throughout the years the Glórach Theatre has continued to go from strength to strength facing challenges such as the Covid 19 Pandemic with tenacity & dedication. The passion and commitment of Board members, volunteers, patrons & artists have ensured the continued development of the Glorach.
The Glórach is a space to connect, share & explore new works. The idea that art is accessible to all is integral to the Glórach. Through it's work the Glórach hopes to provide discourse and appreciation for diverse forms of artistic expression whilst simultaneously providing a welcoming communal space.
The Riveroak Millenium Project was initiated. Architectural plans for the new theatre complex were drawn up and in 1998 construction got under way. Construction and fundraising continued side by side. A nomadic existence was coming to a close!
In December 2000 a season of get together talks on folk drama and ceolta cois teallaigh began in An Cliabhan Riveroak Studio, Convent Road, Abbeyfeale. Work on the kitting out phase of the theatre continued a pace. In 2001 a series of master classes for adults commenced in speech and stage movement in An Cliabhan.
Finally, in March 2003 Glorach Theatre opened its doors and ushered in an exciting era for drama and folk tradition and the curtain rose on our group’s presentation and the first public performance of ‘Moll’ and ‘Swansong’ at our permanent home! A major fundraising drive was launched with an Easter 2005 Grand Variety Concert all proceeds went towards the building term loan.
From a humble second hand portocabin to the fully kitted out new Glorach Theatre, in 2006 our open door policy was launched to benefit the local community. Plans were put in place to produce a special play and pageant in honour of the centenary of the land league priest Fr. Casey whose statue stands in the Square, Abbeyfeale. With a cast of over fifty local artists the centenary tribute was presented in 2007. It was a roaring success!
Throughout the years the Glórach Theatre has continued to go from strength to strength facing challenges such as the Covid 19 Pandemic with tenacity & dedication. The passion and commitment of Board members, volunteers, patrons & artists have ensured the continued development of the Glorach.
The Glórach is a space to connect, share & explore new works. The idea that art is accessible to all is integral to the Glórach. Through it's work the Glórach hopes to provide discourse and appreciation for diverse forms of artistic expression whilst simultaneously providing a welcoming communal space.