The Theatre Festival was launched in 1960 with Athenry's Production of "Sive" by John.B.Keane in the Esker Hall with founder members listed as Fr.C.Scahill, Jack Fitzmaurice, Pierce O'Gara, Jim Keaveney, Paul Garvey, Joe O'Neill, Malachy Mooney & John.L.Garvey.