I may be biased but I would prefer to accept that I might possibly relate to the subject matter to a little bit more than others.
I grew up not too far from Frank O’Connor’s house so could easily picture many of the locations and sights. The long hill and then the lot of steps down to St Patrick’s Church which are now closed off; the wall overlooking the quarry; the view over to the hills on the far side of the city; and the morning sun spreading up the river from the harbour were all seen so many times when I was growing up.
It was only last year that I read An Only Child so that did help to bring to mind the memories of St Luke's and Ballyhooley Road so last night they may have been fresher than a few years ago.
Last night was not just a trip down my own memory lane. My early school years were decades ago but decades after Frank O’Connor. Very many things have changed but nearly all could relate to the struggles of the schoolyard; the inquisitiveness of youth; the first confession; and family relationships.
The play did inspire much laughter. The intertwining of the three stories on the one set with the three actors was compelling, keeping each going to the very end.
It lasted 1¾ hours. It was worth every cent.
It runs until Saturday. I do recommend.
I grew up not too far from Frank O’Connor’s house so could easily picture many of the locations and sights. The long hill and then the lot of steps down to St Patrick’s Church which are now closed off; the wall overlooking the quarry; the view over to the hills on the far side of the city; and the morning sun spreading up the river from the harbour were all seen so many times when I was growing up.
It was only last year that I read An Only Child so that did help to bring to mind the memories of St Luke's and Ballyhooley Road so last night they may have been fresher than a few years ago.
Last night was not just a trip down my own memory lane. My early school years were decades ago but decades after Frank O’Connor. Very many things have changed but nearly all could relate to the struggles of the schoolyard; the inquisitiveness of youth; the first confession; and family relationships.
The play did inspire much laughter. The intertwining of the three stories on the one set with the three actors was compelling, keeping each going to the very end.
It lasted 1¾ hours. It was worth every cent.
It runs until Saturday. I do recommend.
