When our Editor Paul Healy handed me the assignment to cover Abba Mia, Coláiste Mhuire’s latest school production – to be staged at the Mattie McDonagh Centre in Ballygar – I initially saw it as just another story. But from the moment I arrived with my colleague Michael (photography and videography), I realised this production was something special.
The hall was quiet at first, with around 20 students dotted about, returning from their lunch break. Within minutes, the space flooded with nearly 80 students from all year groups, buzzing with energy and anticipation.
Ms Carmel O’Shea, the Musical Producer, greeted us warmly as students milled around, chatting in groups and gearing up for their interviews and photoshoot. Ms O’Shea, who recently retired after 32 years of service at Coláiste Mhuire, explained that this would likely be her last production, a statement met with good-natured scepticism by colleagues who insist her talents will be in demand for years to come. Eamon Madden and John O’Leary are the two remaining members of the original production team, alongside Carmel O’Shea, since the school’s first musical production in 1995″
This year’s show, running from November 14th to 16th, marks the school’s first musical production in six years, a gap largely due to the disruptions of recent pandemic-related years. Ms O’Shea and the faculty have been focused on helping students regain their academic footing since then, but the school felt it was finally time to bring a musical back, sparking excitement among students and staff alike.
With nearly 80 students from first to sixth year involved, this production has become an entire school community effort. Ms Eilish Beirne, the Director, shared that the entire faculty has pitched in: woodwork teacher John O’Leary has built the set, the home economics team took on costume creation, and the art department, led by Miriam Cuddy and Elaine Ryan, transformed the space with their set-painting expertise. Miriam and Elaine also worked tirelessly on preparing promotional posters (designed by Alyssa Galvin, a fifth year art student). Tom Hannon, the school’s caretaker, and secretary Anna Burke have also played essential roles, keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Special thanks also go to Teresa Clogher for her work on the musical booklet. In addition, the support of the school management made it possible for the core production team of (along with Eilish) Carmel O’Shea, Danny Arnold, Emily Staunton, Emma Healy, Laura Murray and Thelma Cunniffe to work with the students to focus on the musical.
Participation in the production was open to all students, which led to an intensive two-month process of auditions and rehearsals, ultimately allowing students across year groups to bond in unique ways. Shane Beirne from Creggs, who plays Sky, shared that the experience, though new for him, was “good craic” and a rewarding step out of his comfort zone. Aaron Delaney, a third-year who plays Pepper, is carrying on a family tradition. In fact, Aaron revealed that his mother had played one of the leading roles in the school’s first musical, Oklahoma, in 1995, a fact that highlights just how deep these traditions run at Coláiste Mhuire.
During our conversation, Aaron proudly demonstrated his new skill of ‘clicking’, a jazzy finger snap that became an inside joke during rehearsals. Aaron’s excitement mirrored the large sense of pride in the hall as Ms Beirne spoke of the students’ growing confidence, evident in every corner. From the choir to students changing into vibrant 1970s disco costumes, the enthusiasm was infectious, even if a few of the cast were initially hesitant about sporting their platform shoes.
As I was talking with the teachers, students poured in for photoshoots in Hawaiian shirts that would make Derek Trotter jealous, a thought that probably ages me more than I would like to admit.
Sixth years Adam Kenny and Harry O’Sullivan, key cast members in their final school year, admitted they were juggling a lot. But both noted that being part of Abba Mia has actually improved their focus and time management, a balance they’re proud of, especially as role models for younger students. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of the production, as they encourage their peers to give their best. Laura Murray shared how seeing students embrace both the discipline and the fun of the production was one of the most rewarding parts of the process.
When asked about highlights, Thelma Cunniffe and Emma Healy recommended the song ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ for its energy and spirit. Assisted by choreographer Triona Mulryan, these teachers have worked intensively with the students, predominantly transition year pupils, who naturally had more time for dance practice. The team confirmed that after such a long pause, the entire school community shared an eager “hunger” to see the musical return, a sentiment they felt physically resonated in the room.
After a nearly two-hour photoshoot, capped off with a ‘bualadh bos’ for cast, crew, and faculty, students dispersed, some returning to classes and others staying for further rehearsals. The faculty members, meanwhile, had their minds on the evening’s parent-teacher meeting, yet another layer of dedication on display. Wrapping up the day, Ms Beirne emphasised the team effort that makes this production possible, expressing her hope that everyone, from the cast to the community, will look back with pride.
Reflecting on my time there, I was struck by how the pandemic years had impacted Coláiste Mhuire, especially with an entire student body that had never been part of a school musical. Yet, rather than diminishing social cohesion, the pandemic seemed to strengthen the bonds among students, whose enthusiasm for Abba Mia is a testament to their resilience. Ms O’Shea’s quiet pride and her pivotal role were unmistakable, even as she credited her colleagues for the success of the production.
This year’s Abba Mia is not just a musical, it is a celebration of community, commitment, and the unmatched joy of performance.
Tickets are available for the three nights of the production: Thursday, November 14th, Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th; however, tickets are limited and selling out fast with Saturday nearly sold out.
Tickets are available from the school office, which can be contacted on 090 662 4740, or you can call in and purchase tickets in person. There are also tickets available on booking website EventBrite.ie where you simply search the words ‘Abba Mia’.
At €15 for an adult ticket and €12 for students, it is guaranteed to be money well spent supporting this massive undertaking by the East Galway school.
