During the 1950s to the mid 60s St. Brigid’s Drama Group rented the basement and two rooms on the ground floor at the Gate Club, Laurence Street, Drogheda. The premises belonged to the Bridge Club who rented rooms’ surplus to their needs. The basement was the domain of the stage manager and helpers. Sets, props and all the paraphernalia associated with the productions were stored there. It was a hive of activity in the weeks prior to opening night. Rehearsals were conducted in the back room on ground floor.

St. Brigid’s produced one play a year. Rehearsals started in October and continued at a leisurely pace until the following March, the usual production date. It may well be asked why it took so long to rehearse a play? St. Brigid’s was more than a drama group. It fulfilled a great social interaction opportunity for many from all over the country who came to work in Drogheda – teachers, bank officials, nurses, shop assistants, those who worked in the various government agencies such as the post office, social welfare office and the corporation. Of course a loyal group of Droghedeans must not be forgotten.

Most Saturday nights from October to March, the dividing doors between the front and back rooms were opened wide. The social committee prepared for the “hop”. A special concoction called “Dance Floor Crystals” was strewn on the knotty back room “ballroom” floor. A motley collection of hard and easy chairs in the front was dusted down. A blazing fire warmed all as they feasted on a cup of tea, biscuits and McCloskey buns, often in the company of our Spiritual Director who usually called in at some stage during the night. A select few had access to the dilapidated and temperamental turntable, amplifier and an odd collection of old 78s records. 

To get through the night without a technical hitch was rare indeed but in emergencies alternative entertainment was always readily available. Guitars were becoming more and more popular and during the breakdowns a spontaneous sing-song filled the vacuum.

The Gate Club rooms were vacated in the m id sixties. Rehearsals have continued since then at various locations around the town. The “hops” also continued for a few years but the loss of a permanent premises and a drift to other forms of entertainment eventually led to their demise. However, for many it was where it all began
– where lifelong friendships were established and many romances blossomed leading to wedded bliss.  Oh happy days!