Stage Plays
Alone it Stands for Castlebar
By John Mulligan
27, Aug 2003 - 08:00

One of the funniest and most poignant plays in years comes to the TF Royal Hotel Castlebar after a lengthy wait and promises to be one of the nights of the year. The play called "Alone It Stands" tells the story of one of the greatest sporting Moments in Irish History when Munster, led by such players as Tony Ward, Moss Keane, Brendan Foley (Father of Irish international Anthony), Jimmy Bowen and Christy Cantillion, beat a New Zealand side captained by the legendary Graham Mourie. What was unique about that New Zealand side was that they had played and defeated the lions the year before and won every game during that tour. October the 31^st 1978 was to become a turning point for Munster rugby and its people, a story that is told in great fashion by Mayo playwright John Breen. The play, told by six actors, remembers that famous moment with humour and from many different angles, those who played, those who watched and those who didn’t even care the game was on although it does add a somber note with the real-life death of the father of Munster captain Donal Canniffe during the match. This is a play not to be missed and from its very successful run in the Gaiety and the Olympia comes to Castlebar. As part of this Castlebar RFC have organized a very special night for the fifth of September as part of the play’s run here. For just thirty euro, you can be part of a Castlebar RFC night, in which there will be entertainment, entry into the play and refreshments after with a band. This promises to be a night not to be missed and everybody is invited to come along and take part in what is always a great night. The play begins at 8pm on the night and tickets and other information can be obtained from any member of the committee who will be only to happy to help.