Garrison Community Sporting and Social Club entered a new realm at the weekend by hosting a feast of drama entertainment at the Gilaroo Court.

A sample of bigger things to come, the evening offered patrons an opportunity to enjoy three one act plays as a taster to a weekend long festival proposed for the village next year.

Set up in 2004 as the Garrison Boys and Girls Sporting and Social Club, the committee changed its name earlier this year to target a wider audience and encourage more cross-community interaction. Since its initiation, the Club has hosted a variety of events and activities including, boxing, yoga, karate, drama classes, music workshops and first aid courses. They have also contributed to a number of fund-raisers in conjunction with the local fishing club and Devenish GAA raising on one occasion, £2,830 and 2,140 euros.

Saturday night's event was organised by the Club committee in conjunction with Hubert McMorrow, President of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.

And as a result of its success it is hoped that next Autumn will see the formation of larger of drama festival to run over three days.

The plays were adjudicated on the night by Jim Williamson from Arvagh in Cavan.

A Maynooth Drama graduate, Mr Williamson has a long acting career to boast, having acted with Carrigallen Community Players, Cornmill Theatre Company and Beezneez.

The Manorhamilton Players opened proceedings on the night with their depiction of the 'Crooked Wheel' written by Bruce Kane and directed by Caoimhe Gleeson. This was followed by 'Suite 719 at the Plaza' written by Neil Simmon and directed by Tom Walsh which was staged by the Phoenix Players from Tubbercurry. Featuring Ursula Brennan and Tom Walsh as Norma and Roy Hubley, this comedy set in a hotel in the USA centred on a wedding where all didn't quite go to plan.

The last of the 45 minute long productions came from Lough Gill Players from Dromhair. Their presentation of the 'Corner Shop' was written by Donal Horgan and directed by Mary Gordon.

Another comedy, this play was set in a small town in Ireland in the 1980's. Everything seemed to be going well for Boss Murphy, the owner of the shop until a rumour caused havoc in the community.

With the night of drama over for this year, the Club will turn its attention this weekend to a Halloween Party in the village before preparing for its annual Christmas extravaganza and the switching on of the Christmas tree lights in December.