Meath Chronicle, 3rd April 1909
Perhaps the most successful and enjoyable entertainment yet held under the auspices on the Navan Dramatic Class took in the Young Men’s Society Hall on Sunday evening last, when this talented and popular troupe presented “Rosaleen Dhu” and ” The Literary Genius” before a large and appreciative audience.
Since the inception of the Navan Dramatic Class, some seven or eight years ago, they have frequently given their services in aid of laudable local purposes, as the St. Vincent de Paul and Young Men’s Societies can testify. On this occasion the “amateurs” volunteered their servives for the object of raising funds to provide a gramaphone to the amusements of the patients in the County Meath Infirmary (a very deserving institution, under the capable management of Mrs. J. P. Timmon) and thanks to the generous support accorded them by the people of Navan and district, the promoters of the entertainment are in a position to handsomely accomplish their desire.
Now for the performance.Mr. M.J. Mangan, in the role of “Stephen Burke” a young Irish gentleman, was really good. Messrs Farrelly and Callaghan, as “Malone” and “Luttrell”displayed very remarkable histrionic ability in their respective parts.
Mr. Jack Kielty, as “General O’Reilly” was the right man in the right place, his martial bearing being much admired. Mr John Brennan was a typical Irish farmer in the character of “Tom Blake”. Mr. P Daly, as “Barney Flanagan” left nothing to be desired, whilst Messrs Killoran and McEvoy, as “Phillopon” and “Shawn Dooley” did their parts in a pleasing fashion.
In the title role Miss Agnes Duignan was simply perfect, her acting being most graceful and natural. Miss Ellen Clusker, Miss Alice Carpenter and Miss Kathleen Clusker, were all up to their usual high standard of excellence.
After the drama an enjoyable concert took place, Mrs. Magee, whose vocal abilities are always so much admired, contributing, in her best style, a few songs which were loudly encored. Messrs Gunn and Donagh, who followed, were also well received, as was Miss O’Toole who appeared for the first time on the Navan stage, and gave a fine exhibition of Irish dancing.
A laughable sketch “The Literary Genius” wound up the proceedings. This piece, which is intensely funny, was well presented, the following being the cast:- Messrs Daly, Mangan, Cassidy, Kielty, and Miss Clusker.
During the intervals the orchestra of the class rendered a choice selection of Irish airs, and, as is invariably the case, their efforts were highly appreciated.