After almost four decades without an active musical society, Drogheda Musical Society wasreformed in 2023 by local teachers Megan Monerawela and Sheena Duffy.
What began as a casual conversation between colleagues has since grown into an award-winning community organisation.
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Megan:
"I remember it so clearly when Sheena turned to me and said, 'It's always been a dream of mine to set up a society in Drogheda,' and I said, 'Well let's do it!' And the rest is history."
Drogheda Musical Society (DMS) is a community-led amateur musical society dedicated to bringing people together through the performing arts. Following a hiatus of almost 40 years, the society was revived with a vision of creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where people of all ages and experience levels can perform, volunteer and build lasting friendships. Their missions is to create a welcoming and inclusive community where people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels can develop their performing arts skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of singing, dancing, acting, and bringing musical theatre to life together.
The founders believe one of the society's greatest achievements has been creating friendships and a sense of belonging.
Many members had not performed since school or college and now have a place where they can reconnect with their passion for theatre.
Megan:
"I recently saw a group of members out together in town and it made me smile thinking that if it wasn't for us setting the society up again these people never would have met."
Sheena:
"Some members see our group as their own tribe."
After its very first production after reforming, Drogheda Musical Society was honoured with the Spirit of AIMS Award at the Association of Irish Musical Societies Awards.
The award recognises the passion, commitment and community spirit that are at the heart of amateur musical theatre.
In March 2026, Drogheda Musical Society staged its first full-scale musical production, The Addams Family, at the Barbican Theatre, Drogheda. The production marked a major milestone in the society's revival and brought together a talented cast, dedicated production team and numerous volunteers from across the community.
Following months of rehearsals and preparation, the show was met with enthusiastic audience support, including standing ovations on its closing night. The production went on to receive national recognition at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards, where Drogheda Musical Society won the prestigious Spirit of AIMS Award.
For a society that had been re-established only three years earlier, the success of The Addams Family demonstrated the passion, resilience and community spirit that continues to drive Drogheda Musical Society forward.
Following its award-winning return, Drogheda Musical Society is continuing to grow and is preparing for its next upcoming production of 9 to 5: The Musical, on the 11th to the 13th of March 2027 in the Barbican theatre, while welcoming new members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters.
