Speaking after the ceremony, Mark summed up what he felt both Laz and Seamus would have surely felt about the awards. “We are delighted to be able to recognise two titans of theatre in Carlow in Seamus and Laz and to honour their legacy with very appropriate awards by supporting and encouraging local people in their education regarding drama”.
Article: Paul Dunne
Photos: Kindly provided by Michael O'Rourke (michaelorourkephoto@gmail.com)
Also published in the Nationalist Newspaper | June 2025
The recipient of the second award ‘The Laz Costello Acting Scholarship’ that evening, was Aisling O’Halloran who will similarly attend an acting course at the DLI drama school this summer. On receiving her award Aisling said "I'm delighted and honoured to be awarded the bursary, particularly one that commemorates such a stalwart of Carlow theatre. I'm new to the world of theatre, and am thrilled with how much CLT have supported me - it's amazing what can happen when you push yourself out of your comfort zone!".
Eleanor McEnhill, Laz’s grandniece, speaking on behalf of the Costello family, echoed a similar sentiment “we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Carlow Little Theatre for the incredible honour of naming their bursary scheme after our uncle, Laz Costello. It means so much to our family to see his name associated with a place and purpose so close to his heart. Laz had a deep and enduring love for amateur drama, whether he was in the spotlight on stage or offering support from the wings. The theatre was truly his second home. As a family we have many happy memories of Laz bringing his acting skills into family gatherings”. She concluded by saying “We hope this bursary brings as much joy in drama for the young people as Laz got from Carlow Little Theatre”.
The event was arranged and presented by the society’s president Mark Cradock, who was aided by the chair of the judging panel Larry McNally, who both not only warmly welcomed members of both the Costello and O'Rourke families but also sympathised with members of the late Betty O’Donnell (nee Prendergast) who were present. Betty passed away the previous month in her 101st year and was the last surviving member of the cast of Carlow Little Theatre Society’s first ever production, ‘The Whip Hand’ by Bridget G. MacCarthy. The event coincided with the 80th anniversary of the first ever performance by the society, on May 23rd, 1945, ahead of the society’s performance of ‘Noises Off’ in the VISUAL that evening.
Carlow Little Theatre Society announces DLI Scholarship Award Winners
The first award, ‘The Seamus O'Rourke Directing Scholarship’ was granted to Deirdre Fleming, who will attend a directing course at the DLI Summer School to be held in the University of Limerick this July. She was thrilled on being the first recipient of the award, saying “Seamus’ creativity and passion ignited my love of theatre. Being named the first recipient of this scholarship in his honour is an incredible privilege. I'm thrilled and deeply grateful to carry a small part of his legacy going forward”.
Speaking on behalf of her family, Maria O’Rourke said “my mother Margaret and all the family are delighted to hear about the proposed bursaries in Séamus' and Laz's honour and also the upcoming book charting the history of Carlow Little Theatre Society. Amateur drama meant so much to Séamus and gave him so much pleasure. Along with his good friend, Laz Costello, he spent endless hours rehearsing, acting and producing. Hopefully many people will get to experience the joy of the theatre with the help of these bursaries for years to come”.
Celebration was in plentiful supply for Carlow Little Theatre on May 23rd last as members new and old, and some distinguished guests came together at a special wine reception in Visual to announce the winners of the society’s inaugural Drama League of Ireland (DLI) summer school awards.
The awards were bestowed by Carlow Little Theatre Society in honour of the memory of their most legendary and influential members, Laz Costello and Seamus O'Rourke, who did so much for the dramatic arts in Carlow, and whose influence and impact reached far beyond our county.