The spotlight will shine brightly on New Ross this October as the 7th annual Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre welcomes one of Ireland’s most beloved actresses, Geraldine Plunkett, to the stage.
Best known for her iconic role as Mary McDermott-Moran in RTÉ’s Glenroe, and her long-running part in Fair City, Plunkett is set to star in the world premiere of The Memory Room by award-winning Wexford playwright, Sheila Forsey.
Plunkett has often recalled her Glenroe years as a time of “great fun” and camaraderie, yet her distinguished career has always been rooted in the stage. Beginning at the Abbey Theatre, she has brought to life an extraordinary range of roles, from The Plough and the Stars and Tarry Flynn to Deirdre of the Sorrows and, most recently, Tartuffe. In 2025, she was appointed as Dublin Ambassador for Age Friendly Ireland, a recognition of her dedication to both creativity and community. Having first encountered The Memory Room when it was a Scripts Ireland finalist, Plunkett now returns to embody its central role in a fully staged production that delves into memory, truth, and the hidden stories of family life.
Joining her on stage is acclaimed American actor Donald Sage Mackay, whose career spans theatre, film, and television on both sides of the Atlantic. Mackay has appeared in London’s West End in Girl From The North Country and True West (opposite Kit Harington and Johnny Flynn), as well as Off-Broadway at MTC and Signature Theatre. On screen, he has worked with Benedict Cumberbatch in Netflix’s Eric, Kate Winslet in HBO’s The Regime, and starred in the BBC series Wreck. His film credits include Red White & Royal Blue (opposite Uma Thurman) and The Great Escaper (with Michael Caine). No stranger to the Eugene O’Neill Festival, Mackay previously played James O’Neill in the 2024 programme. This year, he returns to New Ross to take on another leading role in The Memory Room.
Balancing this international cast is local favourite, Margaret Rossiter, a long-standing member of New Ross Drama Workshop. Since the 1980s, Rossiter has been a cornerstone of the local theatre community as both actor and director. Her directing credits include All My Sons by Arthur Miller, The Playboy of the Western World by J.M. Synge, and Big Maggie by John B. Keane. As a performer, she has shone in productions such as Dancing at Lughnasa and Sive, and she was last seen at the festival in the 2024 world premiere of Forsey’s Teddy.
Also joining the cast is New Ross native Seán O’Brien, whose lifelong passion for theatre has made him a familiar and much-loved figure in the local arts community. Involved in theatre since the age of eight, Seán has performed in everything from school shows to productions with New Ross Pantomime Society, New Ross Musical Society, St Michael’s Theatre Musical Society, Enniscorthy Musical Society, and New Ross Drama Workshop. Beyond the stage, he has contributed his talents to sound, lighting, backstage work, and even front of house, reflecting his deep commitment to every aspect of theatre. Festival audiences will remember his standout performance as Bobby in Sheila Forsey’s Teddy, which premiered at last year’s festival.
Seán O’Brien and Margaret Rossiter bring a vital local connection to this year’s production, underscoring how New Ross itself serves as a stage where global and local voices meet. Under the direction of American theatre artist, Eric Fraisher Hayes, The Memory Room continues the festival’s proud tradition of bridging Ireland and America through the power of theatre. The play tells the poignant story of Eileen, whose move into a nursing home stirs fading memories and unearths long-buried truths her son Joe would prefer remain hidden.
Running from October 5 to October 12, the Eugene O’Neill International Festival of Theatre once again will transform New Ross into a hub of world-class theatre, Irish music, heritage, and international cultural exchange. Alongside The Memory Room, highlights include a bold new staging of O’Neill’s The Hairy Ape, presented with Hayes’ imaginative ensemble approach, and an evening of music led by RTÉ’s Céilí House presenter, Kieran Hanrahan.
With its blend of established stars, international artistry, and local talent, The Memory Room promises to be a poignant centrepiece of the 2025 festival. The premiere takes place on Thursday, October 9 at 8 p.m. followed by a second performance on Sunday, October 12 at 8 p.m. at St Michael’s Theatre, New Ross. Early booking is recommended at the St Michael’s Theatre Box Office or website. For full programme details, visit: www.eugeneoneillfestival.com