Award-winning play returns as fundraiser for Littleton school

“Heroes and Ghosts – The Life and Times of Larry Slattery” returns to the stage in the coming weeks. This one man play tells the fascinating story of Larry Slattery from Tipperary who became the first prisoner of war in World War II.

The play was previously performed at The Horse and Jockey Hotel last August as part of National Heritage Week 2024, to great acclaim from a large captivated audience.

Subsequently it received a County Heritage Award from the Heritage Council as well as featuring nationally on TG4.

The play now returns for two more performances on Friday 7th and Saturday 8 th February at 8p.m. in the Derrynaflan Theatre, Horse and Jockey Hotel as a fundraiser to support autism classes in Littleton N.S..

The play will be hosted by the Moycarkey Borris Littleton Men’s Shed and Community History Group. This local group gave great support to the play last August and its ongoing involvement with the upcoming performances is greatly appreciated.

As an R.A.F. airman, Larry’s plane was shot down over German waters in the first air raid attack of World War 2. The play tells of Larry’s amazing journey through prisoner of war camps as the war raged on.

Here Larry met with much adversity but he showed tremendous resilience to overcome all challenges. Following his liberation in May 1945 the next chapter of Larry’s extraordinary life unfolded. This involved life in London, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a second spell in Germany and marriage.

Following his early death in 1972, Larry was honoured in a remarkable way by his ex-prisoner of war comrades.

The play is written and performed by Christy Clancy, a former teacher and principal of Littleton NS. “I am delighted to be performing the play again in the coming weeks. It is such a fascinating story about a local man who showed great bravery and initiative to survive in very challenging circumstances.”

Christy added, “There is also a strong link with Littleton N.S. as Larry’s father, Michael, was principal there from 1927 to 1945. As a former principal of the school myself I am delighted that the upcoming performances will act as a fundraiser for the school.”

Current school principal, Claire Ryan, expressed her delight at the upcoming fundraiser: “Everyone associated with the school is eagerly looking forward to the performances and especially when funds raised will go towards providing much needed equipment and resources for the autism classes in the school.”

Tickets, costing 10 euro each are available at The Horse and Jockey Hotel, Littleton National School, Clohessy’s Garage, Littleton, O’Keeffe’s Shop, Horse and Jockey, Tully’s Shop, Two-Mile-Borris and on-line booking at Eventbrite.

So please, add the dates to your diary and come along to the wonderful Derrynaflan Theatre, Horse and Jockey Hotel and see local history at its best.

Your support and attendance would be greatly appreciated by all involved with Littleton NS.