Kilmeen Drama Group from Rossmore, Co. Cork has won the top award at the 2026 RTÉ All-Ireland Drama Festival.
Directed by Denis O'Sullivan, the group were crowned All-Ireland drama champions for their performance of 'Ballyturk’.
The awards ceremony took place in Athlone last night.
Bridge Drama, directed by Susan Somers, who performed ‘Things I Know To Be True’ by Andrew Bovell were placed second.
Dalkey Players, directed by Emma Jane Nulty, who performed ‘Sive’ by John B’ Keane were placed third.
Mark O'Brien, Executive Director of the Abbey Theatre said that the Abbey was delighted to continue their partnership with the festival.
He announced that the winner of the Abbey Award for 2026 was also the Kilmeen Drama Group who presented ‘Ballyturk’ by Enda Walsh.
The Abbey will host the group in the Peacock at the end of May.
Kilmeen director Denis O’Sullivan took home the award for Best Director.
In addition, Niamh Power as ‘2’ won the award for best actress, and Crona McCarty, Kilmeen Drama Group won the award for best stage setting.
Other award winners included, Dermot Byrne, Dalkey Players, who won the best actor award for his role as Thomasheen Sean Rua in ‘Sive’.
Sinéad Rafter, Bridge Drama, received the award for the best actress in a supporting role for her portrayal of Rosie Price in ‘Things I Know To Be True’.
While Pat Sinnott from Wexford Drama Group won the best supporting actor award for his role as Michael (Englishman) in ‘Someone Who'll Watch Over Me’.
