“Moon Over Maugherow” was a magical gathering of poets, playwrights, actors, musicians and authors in the iconic Ellen’s Bar in Maugherow on a soft autumn Friday night. Getting to Maugherow is not easy as you have to navigate a myriad of back roads before reaching the famous County Sligo venue. But this was a minor caveat as the events of the evening, organised by Eddie Henry, one of Sligo’s most talented thespians were quite memorable. Well known poet and musician Mary Branley hosted a poetry reading session from local poets, some of whom celebrated the rich culture of Maugherow and its special ambience. Local author Brian Leyden read a poignant tribute to the late Leland Bardwell while two of Sligo’s best known authors Una Mannion and Louise Kennedy also read from their novels, “Tell Me What I Am” and “Trespasses” This event was also lit up with some spirited tunes and songs from local artists. But the highlight of the night was a hilarious adaptation of Myles na gCopaleen’s famous play “Thirst” which was performed in the pub and watched by around 100 attentive people. It tells the tale of Dublin publican Mr Colahan (Brian Woods) and his two regular suppers Peter (Ultan Burke) and Jim (Brendan Marren) who are raided by the local garda sergeant, played with loads of gravitas and guile by Eddie Henry. Mr Colahan launches into a long diatribe on how thirst got the better of him when he was fighting for King and country in World War One as Peter and Jim join in the subtle psychology to try and get the sergeant’s natural love of liquor to overcome the law. In this cunning ploy, he is well aided and abetted by Peter and Jim whose prompts are quite brilliant. Ultan Burke and Brendan Marren, who was making his debut as an actor certainly enlivened the show. Eventually, the Sergeant caves in and fires down the balls of malt like a man who suffered from a lifetime of drought and ends the play with a lusty rendition of “The Rose Of Tralee.” The play was directed by Frankie Brannigan, well known in Sligo theatrical circles who won an All-Ireland medal with the Sligo Drama Circle’s “A Streetcar Named Desire” in 1970. Traditionally, the eloquent Mr Colahan speaks from behind the bar-but Frankie has him almost embedded in the audience and it worked a treat. After the one hour play ended-the mother and father of all music sessions began with fiddles, banjos, mandolins and bouzoukis filling the mild autumn evenin with magic, while outside a full moon shone brightly over Maugherow. Speaking afterwards Eddie Henry said he was delighted with the evening. “It was something I had planned for some time and it was great to see so many people coming out in support. “And it also showed that there is loads of talent in Sligo in the arts and Ellen’s is a very special place where you can feel the history and tradition. “There was loads of banter and bonhomie which really made the evening. But there is no better place for the arts in this region than Ellens which is an ideal venue. I would like to thank the big crowd for their support. “And it was great to be able to put on the play and to be working once again with Frankie Brannigan who has given so much to theatre in Sligo over so many years.” “We have had many collaborations over the years and here is to many more,” he said.