The Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) recently held its highly anticipated One Act Drama Festival and Three Act Drama Competitions across various venues in Northern Ireland. The events took place throughout April and March, 2023, and saw the participation of eleven YFCU clubs, including Finvoy YFC, Ballywalter YFC, Coleraine YFC, Lisnamurrican YFC, Kilrea YFC, Kilraughts YFC, Moycraig YFC, Trillick & District YFC, Cappagh YFC, Seskinore YFC, and Newtownstewart YFC.
The Tullyglass House Hotel hosted the awards ceremony, where YFCU President Stuart Mills and Lauren Hamilton from NFU Mutual Charitable Trust presented the trophies and certificates.
In the One Act Drama Festival, Kilrea YFC emerged as the overall winners with their outstanding performance of 'If You Go Down to the Woods Today.' Finvoy YFC secured the second place with their captivating play 'Sherlock Holmes & the Poison Pen Letter,' followed by Coleraine YFC in third place with their remarkable production 'Curtain Calls.'
The NFU Mutual Trophy for Best Producer was awarded to David Linton and Janice Irwin from Kilrea YFC. The Most Promising Actor title went to Ryan Gamble from Finvoy YFC for his brilliant portrayal in 'Sherlock Holmes & the Poison Pen Letter,' while Holly Martin from Lisnamurrican YFC received the Most Promising Actress award for her exceptional performance in 'Worst Day Of My Life.' Finvoy YFC also secured the Best Set award for 'Sherlock Holmes & the Poison Pen Letter.'
Certificates of Merit for Acting were presented to Julie Young from Finvoy YFC, Adam Alexander from Kilrea YFC, Carolyn McDowell from Newtownstewart YFC, and Timothy Keys from Trillick & District YFC. Kilraughts YFC received a Certificate of Merit for Production for their play 'Last Respects.'
The One Act competition was expertly adjudicated by Nicole Hooley, and the YFCU extends its gratitude to her for her contribution.
In the Three Act Drama Competitions, Moycraig YFC claimed the top spot with their remarkable performance of 'Don't Tell The Wife.' Matthew McLean from Moycraig YFC was recognized as the Most Promising Actor, while Grace Wilkinson from the same club received the Most Promising Actress award. Moycraig YFC also took home the Best Set award for their play 'Don't Tell The Wife.'
Certificates of Merit for Acting were awarded to James Orr, Rachel Smith, and Joshua Kane, all from Moycraig YFC. The Certificate of Merit for Production in the Three Act category was also awarded to Moycraig YFC for their exceptional work in 'Don't Tell The Wife.'
The Three Act competition was adjudicated by David Linton, and the YFCU expresses its appreciation for his dedication and expertise.
The YFCU extends a heartfelt thanks to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust for their generous sponsorship of the competition.
The YFCU drama competitions continue to showcase the immense talent and dedication of its members. The YFCU congratulates all the clubs and individuals who participated in the One Act Drama Festival and Three Act Drama competitions and commends their hard work, creativity, and passion.