The nominations in the AIMS Adjudication & Awards Scheme '08/'09 were announced during the AIMS Choral Festival in New Ross on Sunday 24th May last. The society was delighted to discover that it had been nominated in three award categories by the adjudicator, Eleanor Gilsenan.
Daniel Doherty was nominated in the category of "Best Comedian" for his role as "The Cat" in our recent production of "Honk!". Daniel is nominated alongside Derek Shannon of New Ross Musical Society and James Harris of Patrician Musical Society, Galway.
The society was also nominated in the category of "Best Technical", which recognises sets, lighting and sound. This is a particularly pleasing nomination for the society, as it incorporates the work of so many people - Michael Coen (set & lighting design), Kevin Heaney & Brendan Scally (set construction), Vicky Griffin & society members (scenic artistry), Pat O'Reilly (lighting design), Yvonne Hanbury (lighting operator), Mike & Sally Dervan (sound engineers) & countless others who painted, drilled, re-painted, pushed, lifted, twisted, re-lifted and gathered in an effort to ensure the highest standards possible in all these areas. Also nominated for the award is Clara Musical Society for their production of "Hot Mikado" and Stage One New Musical Group, Dundalk for "Jesus Christ Superstar".
Finally, Yvonne Hanbury has been accepted as a nominee for the Mary Kelly / Unsung Hero award, which acknowledges those who have worked for years without away from the limelight. This is something that certainly sits well with Yvonne, as she has been involved with the society for approximately 20 years, initially organising props, but primarily undertaking the duties of lighting operator without question or a desire for recognition. Yvonne is nominated alongside members of four other societies - Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society, Rush Musical Society, Pioneer Musical Society (Dublin) and Tipperary Musical Society.
The society also offers its congratulations to those neighbouring and distant societies with whom we have built up friendships over the years, including Sligo, Ballinrobe, St. Brendan's Loughrea, St. Mel's Longford, Galway, Patrician's, Athlone, Headford & Ballinasloe. Worth a mention, there were also nominations in the "Best Musical Director" category for both Philip Short & Ivan McKenna, both of whom have MD'd for some of our productions over the years.
The award winners will be announced on Saturday night, 13th June in the INEC, Killarney, during the annual AIMS Awards weekend. The society will be well represented over the weekend and are extremely proud to have been recognised by a body such as AIMS for our efforts. Best of luck to all nominees. Here's to a wonderful weekend in Killarney.