‘Roger’s Final Farewell’ Has The Crowds Laughing

By TADHG CURTIN

The Glen Theatre Banteer Drama Group saw a triumphant finish to 2024 with the debut of the late writer Seán Buckley’s solo work, Roger’s Final Farewell Directed by Tadhg O’Keeffe, the comedy follows the Johnson household with matriarch Aggie and her two daughters; Hazel and Purdly. They are mourning the recent death of household patriarch Roger. However, his drinking and gambling debts are revealed, throwing the home into disarray. A collection of strange characters in and out of the house, including a confused Irish War of Independence veteran Grandfather with a ‘strong patriotic devotion to Ireland’, only adds to the hilarious chaos. So far, the play has been a resounding success with audiences flocking to the Glen for a night of laughter.

Seán Buckley was a native of Ballydesmond. According to The Glen Theatre’s Tadhg O’Keeffe, he was a talented man in many avenues. He was gifted in the arena of building, having worked in the architectural, plumbing, and electrical side of the industry. He even looked after animals in Coolwood Park in Killarney. However, Seán had another talent that not many people knew about, and that was his gift of writing. Seán passed to his eternal reward in 2023. When announcing his death on rip.ie, his family posted with it the following sentiment:

“To us you were someone special, someone set apart, your memory will live forever, engraved within our hearts.”

Roger’s Final Farewell is Seán’s only work but he can include that in his legacy. It can be considered his masterpiece. The Glen Theatre Drama Group would love to thank Seán and his wonderful family, for the privilege of bringing his hilarious words to life for the first time. Thank you for the laughter, Seán! Here’s to Roger’s Final Farewell causing a lot of it!

Roger’s Final Farewell plans to continue its run of performances this January. For more information or to book tickets, phone 029 56239.

Rogers Final Farewell in The Glen Theatre

January 17th, 19th and 26th

February 1st and 3rd

MC Himmy Noonan addresses the audience following a performance

The cast of Roger’s Final Farewell - Seated L-R: Tadhg O’Keeffe, Laura Dunlea, Eileen Houlihan, Pat O’Brien, Dan Joe O’Keeffe, Denis O’Connell, Patrick O’Callaghan, Seamus O’Keeffe, Seán O’Riordan, Diarmuid Cronin. Couple dancing: Niamh Brosnan and John O’Sullivan.

Diarmuid Cronin