Declan Dempsey has spent over 30 years acting on stage and performing to audiences but his first foray into playwriting has brought major success as his work A Sergeant and a Gentleman won the Billy Roche Short Play Award at the Wexford Literary Festival which opened in the Presentation Art Centre, Enniscorthy, tonight.
The Wexfordman’s work was one of 51 submissions and one of four short-listed and acted out on stage before a capacity audience that included the legendary Billy Roche who is delighted to have his name associated with this prestigeous literary event.

Winning playwright Declan Dempsey with Billy Roche following the Billy Roche Short Play Award at the Wexford Literary Festival in the Presentation Art Centre, Enniscorthy.

The three-day festival was officially opened by Cllr Wilie Kavanagh, Chairman Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, who outlined the contribution of the festival to the social and economic life of the town and he complimented the organising committee and wished them well with the fifth annual festival.
There was a sad announcement at the opening when Chairperson of the Festival, co-founder and novelist Carmel Harrington announced she is stepping aside after three years at the helm.
“I suspect it might be a little bittersweet because I’m stepping down from the committee this year. It’s time for a new sheriff in town, so I’ll be handing over the reins to our Vice-Chair Caroline Busher on Sunday afternoon,” Ms Harrington told WexfordToday.com.
She added; “I’d like to wish all shortlisted writers, budding film-makers and businesses the very best of luck in the various writing and community awards. I cannot wait to see who wins.”
Saturday is Readers and Writers Day with a full day of activity at the Riverside Park Hotel and the speakers include Adele Parks, Paul Williams, Andrew Cartmel (writer of the Dr Who series), who arrived in Enniscorthy tonight from London, Jane Casey, Sinead Gleeson, June Caldwell, Hazel Gaynor, Catherine Ryan Howard, Paul Perry, Carmel Harrington, Shane Dunphy, Dr. Sarah Cleary and Caroline Busher. This is a ticket event.
Also on Saturday the Children’s Book Trailer Award Ceremony. The speakers are ER Murray and Caroline Busher and works from talented school children will be under the spotlight in the Presentation Arts Centre.
There is a Saturday Candlit Evening with Teacup Gin where Liz Nugent is in conversation with Carmel Harrington at Enniscorthy Castle.
The festival, which is fast growing an international reputation, finishes up with the Awards Ceremony from 2 pm (a free event and all are welcome) and it takes place in the Athenaeum Hall.

AUDIO ADDITION; DECLAN DEMPSEY spoke to DAN WALSH immediately after winning the Billy Roche Short Play Awards in Enniscorthy and explains what happens next to his successful play A Sergeant and a Gentleman.