Play remembers family who died in Carrickmines
By Maurice Garvey
A PLAY written in memory of the family members who died in the 2015 Carrickmines fire tragedy, takes place in Ballyfermot on June 20.
Ireland Shed a Tear is written by actor Michael Collins, who previously described the Carrickmines fire as a “tragedy 50 years in the making”.
Actor Michael Collins
The play fictionalises the aftermath of the blaze – during which, 11 members of the Connors and Gilbert families perished.
It highlights the squalid conditions many citizens are living in.
The play also explores the issues surrounding the accommodation needs of the power families and their challenge to get the local authorities to provide them with a properly serviced site.
The play hopes to provoke the consciousness of the settled community and their attitude towards the Traveller community.
Collins, a member of the Irish Traveller community and an advocate of Traveller human rights for over 30 years, has appeared in theatre, television and films, acting on stage in the Abbey and the Olympia Theatre.
He depicted the character Johnny Connors in RTE’s Glenroe for over 10 years and starred in films including Trojan Eddie, Man about Dog and King of The Travellers.
Ireland Shed a Tear forms part of Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project’s 2018 Traveller Pride event.
It takes place on Wednesday, June 20, at 7.30pm, in the FamiliBase on Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot.
