Celebrating Ballymoney playwright George Shiels

Sixty five years ago on 19 September, George Shiels died and a few days later, he was buried in his native Ballymoney. The funeral was private and few obituaries appeared, which was in keeping with a life which was so modest and unassuming.

Yet Shiels was recognised as one of Ireland’s leading playwrights, whose plays had been performed in nearly every hall and theatre in the country. His plays had kept Dublin’s prestigious Abbey Theatre open during some of its most difficult times and across the world, in places as far apart as Germany and China, his plays were known and enjoyed.

In this talk Mr Blair will discuss some of George Shiels’s most famous works and tell the story of his life, with a knowledge which is very special. It is a story which few people know but it is one to cherish. He may have been one of the most enigmatic of Ireland’s literary figures but he was also one of Ballymoney’s most famous sons.

The talk will be held in Ballymoney Town Hall on Thursday 25 September, 8pm and admission is £2 including refreshments.