Jimmy Leonard was declared a life member. Click here, for more information on Jimmy.
21st to 23rd May 2010
Workshop with Dara Carolan
Quarry Players Present a Workshop on Acting and Directing, with Dara Carolan, on May 21st to 23rd
FORENSIC Theatre – A module for actors supported by directors using “All My Sons” by Arthur Miller as the reference text
“Great performances are complete by the examination of the minutiae in detail.”
Following on from “Engaging the Audience” - FORENSIC THEATRE - challenged actors to examine the various aspects of a character including the physical, vocal, and emotional components of creating a role from fresh, without regard to or reference to previous productions or published scripts.
8th April 2010
40th Anniversary Mayoral Reception - with Mayor Kevin Kiely
Mayor Kevin Kiely hosted a Mayoral Reception for Quarry Players members on the 8th April, 2010. A great evening was had by all, and here are some of the pictures taken - more will be added in time. They have been left in full size for printing, so may take some time to open.
7th December 2009
40th Anniversary Mass held for deceased members of Quarry Players Limerick
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, a mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church for deceased members of Quarry Players Limerick. The event was organised by founder member John Gibbons, and also in attendance were other founder members John Ryan and John Downes, along with President Barbara Clinton, and other longstanding members including Brendan Clinton & Michael Kearney. Many other members, old and new were also in attendance. Most members of the cast and crew of By the Bog of Cats, by Marina Carr, which had just finished its run at the Belltable were also there, and they participated in the choir on the night, which was led by Bernie Hayes.
In attendance at the 40th anniversary mass for deceased members
At the mass, the group remembered 33 members who have passed away. We remember: Gary McNeill, Carol Anderson, Kitty Gibbons, Michael Gleeson, Peter Kennedy, Kitty Bredin, Claude Byrne, Dairine Byrne, Jim Keyes, Kay Browne, Nick Browne, Agatha Quinn, Phyllis Clinton, John Butler, Andy Butler, Tom McNamara, Dave Coughlan, Eugene McCormack, Kay Walsh, John Walsh, Jack McGowan, Anne Mullarkey, Joe Heelan, Joe Ward, Peter Coffey, Derek Quinlivan, Niamh Coghlan, Paddy Hayes, Matt Hahessy, John Johnson, Joe Hennessy, Basil Collinson, Stephen Quillinan - Rest in Peace
30th November to 6th December 2009
By the Bog of Cats, by Marina Carr - 40th Anniversary Production
Quarry Players held its 40th Anniversary Production of By the Bog of Cats, by Marina Carr, at the Belltable, 36 Cecil Street, from Monday the 30th November to Sunday the 6th December 2009. The production was an incredible success, with nearly full houses every night of the run, and was critically acclaimed by those that attended. Full details of the production, including cast and crew details, and production pictures, are available in the production page of By the Bog of Cats.
November 2009
Some press coverage for By the Bog of Cats, and the 40th anniversary celebrations
Limerick Chronicle - Barbara Clinton and Suzi O'Brien
Belltable Website - Michelle O'Flanagan and Roisin Connolly
Belltable Website - Michelle O'Flanagan and Paul McCarthy
Limerick Chronicle - Eadaoin Jordan and Nastasia Vashko
Limerick Independent
Limerick Chronicle - Brendan Clinton, Jean Fay and Loren Harnett
Limerick Chronicle - John and Lilly English
Limerick Independent - Nastasia Vashko and Eadaoin Jordan
Limerick Chronicle
Limerick Chronicle - Jimmy Leonard, John Ryan, Barbara Clinton, Deputy Mayor Jim Long, John Gibbons, Zeb Moore
Limerick Chronicle - John Ryan, John Anthony Murphy, Gerard Meagher, Zeb Moore, Jimmy Leonard
6th November 2009
Press launch for By the Bog of Cats & 40th Anniversary Celebration
Quarry Players held its press launch for By the Bog of Cats, by Marina Carr, and directed by John Anthony Murphy, at the George Boutique Hotel, O'Connell Street, Limerick, on Friday the 6th November. The event was attended by special guests, including Deputy Mayor Jim Long, along with founder members of the group, cast and crew and many long standing members and supporters. The evening was sponsored by Heineken. On the night, the group showed a DVD slideshow of pictures from the past forty years - if you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact us - info@quarryplayers.ie
1st to 8th August 2009
Drama League of Ireland Summer School
Quarry Players members attended the Drama League of Ireland Summer School, held at the University of Limerick between the 1st and 8th August 2009. Members attending included Michelle O'Flanagan, Zeb Moore, Jean Fay and Loren Harnett.
26th June 2009
Quarry Players Annual General Meeting
Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, Limerick
Quarry Players Annual General Meeting was held on Friday the 26th June 2009. The officers and committee members of the group are:
Barbara Clinton was elected President of the group, for a three year term. Click here, for more information on Barbara.
June 2009
Mayor John Gilligan presents John Gibbons with award for service to theatre
In June, the Mayor of Limerick City, John Gilligan, presented the founder of Quarry Players Limerick, John Gibbons, with a book on the history of the city, along with some Limerick Lace, in honour of his services to theatre, since forming the group 40 years ago. John was recovering from an illness, and is now back to full health.
John Gibbons, with John Gilligan, Mayor of Limerick, June 2009
26th and 27th March and 2nd to 4th April 2009
Quarry Players Present Stolen Child at Friars Gate, Kilmallock and Belltable Arts Centre, Cecil Street
Quarry Players presented Stolen Child, by Yvonne Quinn and Bairbre Ni Chaoimh, and directed by Michelle O'Flanagan, at Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock on the 26th and 27th March, and at the Belltable Arts Centre, Cecil Street, Limerick from the 2nd to the 4th April 2009.
See all the pictures from the production in the production page - Stolen Child
20th March 2009
Press launch for Stolen Child
Quarry Players held its press launch for Stolen Child, by Yvonne Quinn and Bairbre Ni Chaoimh, and directed by Michelle O'Flanagan, at Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, Caherdavin, Limerick.
10th Feb 2009
John Breen mentions Quarry Players!
In an interview with The Limerick Leader, John Breen, playwright and writer of the hit play Alone It Stands, mentions being brought to Quarry Players productions when he was young.
Having an artistic upbringing:
"My mother dragged myself and my brother Myles to everything when we were young. Every time the Vienna Boy's Choir was at the Cecilian Hall I was down there. The Quarry Players, the College Players, all the local music societies; we were brought along to everything. As a nine-year-old boy it's the last thing you want to do, but it rubbed off. All that stuff goes into your subconscious and you never know where and when it's going to come out."
Piece above taken from The Limerick Leader - 10th February 2009 - Link Here
25th to 29th November 2008
Quarry Players Present The Lieutenant of Inishmore at LIT Millennium Theatre
Quarry Players presented The Lieutenant of Inishmore, by Martin McDonagh, and directed by Michael Kearney, at the LIT Millennium Theatre from the 25th to the 29th November 2008.
On the 14th November 2008, Quarry Players held the press launch for our latest production - The Lieutenant of Inishmore, by Martin McDonagh. The launch was attended by special guest, Jim Long, deputy Mayor of Limerick City.
23rd July 2008
DLI - An Audience with Tom Hickey
Quarry Players Limerick co-hosted an event with the Drama League of Ireland, called "An Audience with Tom Hickey", which was facilitated by Dara Carolan, and held as part of the DLI Summer School, at the University of Limerick. Group members provided logistical support on the night, and assistance was provided by Niamh O'Mara, Michelle O'Flanagan, Niamh Kearney, Zeb Moore, Jimmy Leonard and Noel Dillon. Other group members also attended the event.
Kitty Garry, Michelle O'Flanagan, Noel Dillon, Niamh Kearney, Loren Harnett, Jimmy Leonard, Niamh O'Mara, John Gibbons
Michelle O'Flanagan, Niamh Kearney, Tom Hickey, Niamh O'Mara, Susie O'Brien
More pictures will be added shortly.
19th to 26th July 2008
Drama League of Ireland Summer School
Quarry Players members attended the Drama League of Ireland Summer School, held at the University of Limerick between the 19th and 26th July 2008. Members attending included Niamh O'Mara, Michelle O'Flanagan, Niamh Kearney, Zeb Moore and Loren Harnett.
27th June 2008
Quarry Players Annual General Meeting
Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, Limerick
Quarry Players Annual General Meeting was held on Friday the 27th June 2008. The officers and committee members of the group are:
President...Michael Kearney
Chairman...Zeb Moore
Vice Chairman...Barbara Clinton
Secretary...Niamh O'Mara
Treasurer...Jim Deery
PRO...Niamh Kearney
Promotions Officer...Michelle O'Flanagan
Other Committee members:
John Gibbons, Maura Reidy, John Ryan
Noel Dillon, Jimmy Leonard, Laura Danaher
27th June 2008
Quarry Players present Faith of our Fathers at Na Piarsaigh GAA Club - prior to the Annual General Meeting
Quarry Players presented Faith of Our Fathers, by Sandy Taylor, prior to the AGM on Friday the 27th June 2008.
Cast in Order of Appearance
Concepta
Niamh O'Mara
Geraldine
Niamh Kearney
Sister Immaculata
Barbara Clinton
Production Team
Director
Michelle O'Flanagan
Sound Design
Loren Harnett
Stage Manager
Jade Moore
Costumes
Michelle O'Flanagan, Barbara Clinton
Properties
Michelle O'Flanagan, Zeb Moore, Sylvia Moore,
Niamh O'Mara
Some Pictures from the Production
(Taken by Zeb Moore)
8th and 9th May 2008
Quarry Players present The Last of the Last of the Mohicans, and Last Tango in Little Limerick at Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock
Quarry Players presented two one act plays, The Last of the Last of the Mohicans, directed by Jean Fay, and Last Tango in Little Limerick, directed by Zeb Moore, at Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, on the 8th and 9th of May 2008.
Cast of the plays included (from left to right above):
Bridin Ryan, Jonathan Caffrey, Nadia Sakni, Liam Moore, David Sheehan, Eileen Conroy, Noel Dillon, Susie O'Brien, Donal Ryan
11th March 2008
Workshop - Audition for two one act plays
Quarry Players hosted a workshop in preparation for its auditions of the two one act plays to be presented in Friars Gate, Kilmallock, on the 8th and 9th May. It was hosted by Jean Fay, and despite the terrible weather, 18 people braved the elements to participate.
15th February 2008
Presentation to John Anthony Murphy
Quarry Players held a small reception to present the trophy for best director to John Murphy, who recently won the award at the MAMCA awards, for his work on the Quarry Players production of Dolly West's Kitchen, by Frank McGuinness.
Laura Danaher, Niamh Kearney, Michael MacCurtain, John Anthony Murphy, Jim Deery, Michelle O'Flanagan, Niamh O'Mara
Niamh Kearney, John Anthony Murphy, Michael MacCurtain, Michelle O'Flanagan, Jim Deery
Zeb Moore, John Anthony Murphy, Niamh O'Mara
Kitty Garry and Maura Reidy
Sylvia Moore and Zeb Moore
Laura Danaher, Niamh O'Mara
John Anthony Murphy
Zeb Moore and John Anthony Murphy
Pictures taken at the presentation to John of his award for best director - Dolly West's Kitchen at the MAMCA Awards, 15/02/08
Pictures taken by Niamh Kearney
8th and 9th February 2008
Workshop - "First Impressions", with Dara Carolan
Quarry Players hosted a workshop for local Limerick groups on Friday the 8th and Saturday the 9th February 2008. This was an acting workshop, called "First Impressions", and focussed on characterisation. The tutor for the workshop was Dara Carolan. Dara is the director of services with the Drama League of Ireland, and a nationally renowned actor, director, tutor and adjudicator. The workshop was held at Mary Immaculate College. Several members of Quarry Players took part, as well as people from Shannonside Theatre Group, Impact Theatre Company and other interested individuals.
At an awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, held on the 26th January 2008, Quarry received two awards - one for best amateur production of 2007 and one for best director - John Anthony Murphy, both for Dolly West's Kitchen, which was presented at the Belltable (see details below). Both awards were accepted by Zeb Moore, Chairperson, Quarry Players, and the event was attended by Zeb, Niamh Kearney, Michelle O'Flanagan, Wayne Dignam, Kitty Garry, Jonathan Caffrey and Siobhan Murphy of Quarry Players.
28th December 2007
Jean and Loren get married
On the 28th December 2007, two group life members, and former chairpersons of the group, Jean Fay and Loren Harnett, got married in Lisronagh Church, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and had their reception afterwards at Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel. Many of the long-time Quarry Players members were in attendance for the occasion, and apparently, a great time was had by all.
14th to 18th November 2007
Quarry Players present Dolly West's Kitchen at the Belltable
From the 14th to the 18th November, 2007, Quarry Players presented Dolly West's Kitchen, by Frank McGuinness, at the Belltable Arts Centre Limerick. The show was very well attended, and critically acclaimed by various journalists and theatregoers. On Saturday the 17th November, we were delighted to welcome the Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea T.D., to the performance. He came back stage afterwards, to give some words of encouragement to the cast and crew.
Pictured with some of the cast and crew, is Willie O'Dea, T.D., Minister for Defence,
who attended the show on the 17th November 2007
From left to right: Zeb Moore (Chairperson, Quarry Players Limerick), Michael MacCurtain, Jonathan Caffrey, Jeffrey Rockett, Wayne Dignam, Bernie Fitzgerald, Geraldine O'Dea, Senan Moore, Willie O'Dea, Michelle O'Flanagan, Therese Hayes, Jim Deery, Niamh Kearney, Cian Moore, Michael Kearney, Niamh O'Mara, Jade Moore, Zoe Kearney, Sylvia Moore, John Gibbons, Laura Danaher, Cathy Ryan
On the 2nd November, Quarry Players Limerick held its press launch for Dolly West's Kitchen, by Frank McGuinness, at the AbsoluteHotel.com - which was attended by Willie O'Dea T.D., Minister for Defence, and Peter McNamara, Managing Director, Belltable Arts Centre, along with other special guests and members of the media.
Michael Kearney, Group President, Willie O'Dea, T.D., Minister for Defence, and Zeb Moore, Chairperson
Niamh Kearney, Niamh O'Mara, Willie O'Dea, T.D., Minister for Defence, Michelle O'Flanagan and Therese Hayes
Peter McNamara, Managing Director, Belltable Arts Centre, Michelle O'Flanagan, who plays Dolly West, and Zeb Moore, Chairperson
Michael MacCurtain, Willie O'Dea T.D., Jonathan Caffrey
Quarry Players Limerick proudly showed their support to The Chernobyl Children’s Project by donating the proceeds of their recent one-act production of The Music Lovers, by George Feydeau, which was showcased in the AbsoluteHotel.com on July 29th of this year.
Pictured are Bella from the AbsoluteHotel.com, Brian O'Mara and John Quaid of The Chernobyl Children's Project,
and Zeb Moore, Chairperson, Quarry Players Limerick, who presented the cheque
13th October 2007
Group member Loren Harnett, elected Chairman of the Drama League of Ireland
On the 13th October 2007, former Chairperson of Quarry Players, and current committee member, was elected as Chairman of the Drama League of Ireland, replacing Karen Carleton of Balally Players, Dublin, who had served for the maximum of two years. Loren addressed the meeting upon being being elected, and thanked his fellow group members in Quarry Players Limerick. The incoming address, which was published in the Drama League of Ireland magazine, is shown below.
The Drama League of Ireland is the representative body and resource organisation for amateur drama on the Island of Ireland.
25th August 2007
The One Act Play,
with Scott Marshall
On the 25th August, Quarry Players hosted a drama workshop on "The One Act Play", with internationally known adjudicator, Scott Marshall. The workshop was way over subscribed, and 21 people participated, from all parts of the country, including Dublin, Cork, Clare, Waterford and Limerick. Scott came from Belfast for the day, and we were also delighted to welcome the Chairman of the Drama League of Ireland, Karen Carleton, who came from Dublin.
The picture shows the participants and the tutor (Scott Marshall) at the One Act Play workshop - August 2007
5th to 12th August 2007
Drama League of Ireland Summer School
For the week between the 5th and the 12th August, 2007, Niamh O'Mara, Michelle O'Flanagan, Niamh Kearney, Loren Harnett, Noel Dillon and Jean Fay participated in the 42nd DLI Summer School, which was held at the University of Limerick. Niamh, Michelle and Niamh did an acting course, specialising in the techniques of Stanislavski, Loren did a directing course and Noel did a movement and voice course. Jean provided her services to the DLI for the week, helping to organise the evening entertainment activities.
ABBA-KA-DABRA!!
Niamh O'Mara and Michelle O'Flanagan
Niamh Kearney and Michelle O'Flanagan
The two Niamh's!
Some pictures from the Quarry Players prize winners in the fancy dress party
29th July 2007
The Music Lovers, by Georges Feydeau at the AbsoluteHotel.com
On the 29th July, Quarry Players performed The Music Lovers, by Georges Feydeau, for the second and final time, at the AbsoluteHotel.com, Limerick. The show was well attended, in spite of the competition from the hurling match also on that day, and the cast and crew had a great day, enjoying the facilities of the hotel.
21st July 2007
Tom and Catherine Hickey have a blessing of their marriage - The Anglers Rest, Doonass, Co. Clare
Tom and Catherine, both life members of Quarry Players, had a blessing from Fr. Joe Young, of their recent civil marriage, at The Anglers Rest, Doonass. Many of the older Quarry Players members were in attendance for this great occasion, along with Tom and Catherine's families and friends.
22nd June 2007
Quarry Players Annual General Meeting
Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, Limerick
On the 22nd June 2007, Quarry Players held their Annual General Meeting, and a new team of officers and committee members were elected as follows:
President...Michael Kearney
Chairman...Zeb Moore
Vice Chairman...John Ryan
Secretary...Niamh O'Mara
Treasurer...Jim Deery
PRO...Jimmy Leonard
Promotions Officer...Niamh Kearney
Other Committee members:
Loren Harnett, John Gibbons, Kitty Garry,
Michelle O'Flanagan, Barbara Clinton, and Maura Reidy
22nd June 2007
The Music Lovers, by Georges Feydeau at Na Piarsaigh GAA Club
On the 22nd June 2007, the same night as the AGM, Quarry Players performed the Limerick premiere of The Music Lovers, by Georges Feydeau, adapted by Reggie Oliver, at Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, Caherdavin, Limerick, directed by Zeb Moore. See all the pictures on the production page.
17th April 2007
Bringing the Characters in Shakespeare's Comedies to life, with Joan Sheehy
On the 17th April 2007, Quarry Players teamed up with Teaspach to organise an evening workshop with Joan Sheehy, which was provided at no cost, as part of the tour of smallone, by John Anthony Murphy. Nearly thirty people took part, and the theme of the workshop was "bringing the comedy in Shakespeare's comedies to life", which gave some material to the participants to work on.
24th & 25th March and 31st March & 1st April 2007
Four day workshop on "Exploring and Developing Dramatic Expression", with Antoinette Duffy
Quarry Players, in association with the Drama League of Ireland, organised a four day workshop, over two weekends at the end of March and the beginning of April, 2007. The tutor for the event was Antoinette Duffy, and drama teacher and practitioner, and was held at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. The participants came mainly from Quarry Players, and other drama groups in the city, including Teaspach, with some participants from Dublin, and was organised by Loren Harnett and Jean Fay. Some pictures:
Stephanie O'Keefe and Sandy McNamara
Niamh O'Mara and Jeffrey Hirst
The participants and the tutor
Tutor Antoinette Duffy
All working together
Most of the class
Participants at work
Some participants at work
Melanie Meade and Adrienne Lee
Article the appeared in the DLI magazine
August 2006
DLI Summer School - University of Limerick
Loren Harnett attended the DLI summer school, doing a directing course, with Antoinette Duffy.
23rd June 2006
AGM - Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, Caherdavin, Limerick
Quarry Players held its AGM at Na Piarsaigh GAA Club, and the following people were elected to the committee:
President...Michael Kearney
Chairman...Loren Harnett
Vice Chairman...John Ryan
Secretary...Kitty Garry
Treasurer...Barbara Clinton
PRO...Zeb Moore
Deputy PRO...Michael Flanagan
Other Committee members:
Jim Deery, Joe Delaney, Jimmy Leonard,
John Gibbons, Maura Reidy, Donal Ryan
October 2005
Acting Workshop "Engaging the Audience" - With Dara Carolan
Quarry Players hosted a drama workshop on behalf of the Drama League of Ireland, on acting, which was facilitated by Dara Carolan. The workshop took place over a Friday night, and Saturday, at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. The work focussed on making characters believable.
August 2005
DLI 40th Annual Summer School Celebrations - University of Limerick
Various members of Quarry Players, attended the 40th anniversary celebration of the DLI summer school, which was held in the stables courtyard at the University of Limerick. There was a specially commissioned performance by Tom McArdle and John McArdle.
17th June 2005
AGM - Garda Club, Sexton Street, Limerick
Quarry Players held its AGM at the Garda Club, Sexton Street, and the following people were elected to the committee:
President...Michael Kearney
Chairman...Loren Harnett
Vice Chairman...John Ryan
Secretary...Kitty Garry
Treasurer...Barbara Clinton
PRO...Donal Ryan
Promotions...Zeb Moore
Other Committee members:
Jim Deery, Joe Delaney, Jimmy Leonard,
Mairead Sheehan, Tom Quin, Gerard Fitzmaurice (R)
(R) Denotes Resigned during the year
12th March 2005
Lighting Design Workshop - Hosted by Hilltop Players, Fedamore, and facilitated by Tom Madden
In March 2005, Loren Harnett, John Ryan and Joe Delaney from Quarry Players, participated in a workshop facilitated by Tom Madden on lighting design.
Joe Delaney and John Ryan on set for the lighting workshop
August 2004
DLI Summer School at NUI Maynooth
Loren Harnett attended a course at the DLI summer school, facilitated by the Abbey Theatre, as part of the abbeyonehundred celebrations. Tutors for the week included Martin Drury, Jim Nolan, Andrea Ainsworth, David Parnell and Andy Crook. The week included a full tour of the Abbey Theatre venue, and performance exercises on the main stage.
Loren Harnett of Quarry Players - Picture taken on the set of "The Playboy of the Western World", by JM Synge, on the main stage at the Abbey Theatre
18th June 2004
AGM - Held at Hanratty's Hotel, Glentworth Street, Limerick
The Annual General Meeting of the Quarry Players was held on the 18th June, 2004. A new committee and officers were elected, and the issues of the day were discussed. Thanks to all the members that attended, and we look forward to the coming season, with a number of projects planned.
Loren Harnett, Chairman, Quarry Players
Officers and Committee Elected were as follows:
President...Michael Kearney
Chairman...Loren Harnett
Vice Chairman...John Ryan
Secretary...Kitty Garry
Treasurer...Barbara Clinton
PRO...Pat Quinn (C)
Other Committee members:
Rosie Coakley, Jim Deery (C), Joe Delaney (C), Joe Hennessy (C), Zeb Moore,
(C) Denotes Co-opted afterwards, (R) Denotes Resigned during the year
24th May 2004
Quarry Players shortlisted to appear at the Abbey Theatre, on 27th December 2004
Quarry Players extended its congratulations to the groups which were selected to appear at The Abbey Theatre, as part of the 100th birthday celebrations, on the 27th December 2004. We wished them luck on their projects, and looked forward to being present on the day of celebration, to witness the amateur drama movement being acknowledged for their contribution to Irish culture. We particularly extended our best wishes to Ennis Players, who were selected from our short list group.
September 2003
Acting Workshop with Jim Culleton
In September 2003, as part of its preparations for The Plough and the Stars, Quarry Players hosted a workshop with renowned theatre director Jim Culleton. Many of the cast participated, and it was held at Hanratty's Hotel, Glentworth Street, Limerick.
11th January 2003
John Anthony Murphy appears in "The Gangs of New York"
Gangs of New York arrive in Limerick with our own John Anthony Murphy
By ALAN JACQUES
John Anthony Murphy
LIMERICK actor John Anthony Murphy plays alongside Hollywood movie-stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis and Cameron Diaz in the first big blockbuster of 2003, Gangs of New York, which opens in local cinemas this weekend. And although the 43-year-old actor from Greystones only has a bit part in Martin Scorsese's epic tale about 19th century gangland New York, he is still sharing the screen with three of Hollywood's biggest earners. John who is well-known to local theatre audiences for his roles in Pigtown and Borrowed Robes, was chosen to play one of the gang leaders in the movie after Scorsese saw his audition tape. "My agent sent Scorsese a tape and I obviously had the look he wanted because he got back in touch," said John. "I spent two and a half weeks in Rome shooting the scenes and it was all very exciting. "It was amazing to see the scale of the film, there were hundreds of people involved. "I was one of the gang-leaders and before one of the big battle scenes I had to announce the name of my gang. I haven't seen the finished thing yet so I don't even know if my scenes were used. Even the big stars don't know what scenes will be cut when it comes down to editing. "I met Leonardo DiCaprio during filming which was great, but unfortunately Cameron Diaz wasn't on the set the same time as me. But as you can imagine it was really tough work spending two and a half weeks in Rome making a movie," joked the Limerick actor. John is a member of the board and founder member of Island Theatre Company. He has in the past directed the Quarry Players and was nominated for Best Actor in the ESB Irish Theatre Awards for his role as a priest in Borrowed Robes. Gangs of New York opens in Limerick Omniplex and Savoy Cinema this weekend. The film which is almost three hours long is also expected to be one of the big hopefuls for glory at the Oscars this year.
2001
Group History Article
Article on the group history, written in 2001
1999
Quarry Celebrate 30 Years
Some pictures from the 30th Anniversary birthday party, held on the 10th September 1999
17th March, 1998
Quarry Celebrate 25 Years
Quarry Players entered the St. Patrick's Day parade!
1994
Quarry Celebrate 25 Years
This is an article that appeared in the Limerick Chronicle on the 22nd March, 1994, when the group celebrated their 25th anniversary. The picture shows the late Claude Byrne, Barbara Clinton, Mayor Jan O'Sullivan and John Ryan. The article outlines some of the history of the group, and gives a snapshot of the dramatic situation in Limerick at the time. Click on the picture to see the larger image. To contact John Ryan, Click Here
Quarry Players Limerick celebrate 25 years
Times Gone By
Quarry Visit John B. Keane
1980
Group Picture
1979
10th Anniversary
1969
When It All Began
Article by John Gibbons on the early stages of the group
