This project will celebrate through theatre the lives of three remarkable and inspirational Laois women Lucy Franks, Helen Roe and Lady Emma De Vesci.

Helen Roe (1895-1988) was born in Mountrath and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. She became the first County Librarian in Laois in 1929. She was a well-known collector of antiques from around the county and delivered a series of lectures on the antiquities of Laois. By 1950 she had become one of the chief authorities in the country on pre-Christian antiquities

Lucy Franks (1878-1964) was born in was born in Westfield, Castletown and attended Alexandra College. In 1912 she joined the United Irishwomen which became the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA) in 1935 and was president of the ICA from 1942 to 1952

Lady Emma De Vesci: (nee Herbert, 1819-1884) daughter of the eleventh Earl of Pembroke and wife of Thomas, third Viscount de Vesci. Throughout her life Lady Emma used her resources and influence to make key welfare improvements in her locality, including the building of schools, introduction of running water in the Abbeyleix Workhouse and the creation of a linen society which allowed female tenants of the de Vesci estate to retain a manner of dignity and pride as they entered confinement during the final stages of their pregnancy.

For booking and further information please contact Mountrath Youth Theatre by email at mountrathyt@gmail.com. You can also follow Mountrath Youth Theatre on Facebook for event updates.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.