Local playwright, Martina Collender and Actor, Brian Coady, who play 'Crotty the Highwayman'

Local playwright, Martina Collender and Actor, Brian Coady, who play 'Crotty the Highwayman'


AN up-and-coming Waterford playwright is bringing the story of the 18th Century highwayman, Crotty the Robber, to life in a specially-commissioned play which will be performed live in the open air at Coumshingaun Lake as part of the imminent Comeraghs Wild Festival.
Young playwright, Martina Collender, has teamed up with well-known producer, Liam Meagher, and a talented local cast to stage ‘Crotty the Highwayman’, a 45 minute play, live in the middle of the Comeragh Mountains some 385 metres above sea level on Friday, September 18.
William Crotty, or ‘The Highway Robber’ as many know him, was an 18th century highwayman who hid himself away in a cave in the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains. He was the leader of a gang of highwaymen who stole from the rich to give to the poor, much in the same manner as Robin Hood.
Crotty’s many enemies described him as a bloodthirsty murderer and said that the devil wouldn’t pick his bones, while the country people claimed that he was very generous with any monies he managed to rob from the upper classes.
23 year-old playwright, Martina Collender from Kilmacthomas, says she grew up with the story of Crotty, has researched him extensively, has read and heard much about him but will let her audience decide.
“I grew up with the story of Crotty and remember it from my early childhood. When this opportunity came up, I jumped on it. I’m from the local area so I feel a bit of extra pressure but it is good pressure. I’m delighted to give his wife, Mary, in particular, a voice. I have this poignant image of her in my head as she stood in Ballybricken watching him die.
“The Comeraghs has its own unique history and I’m glad to have this opportunity to give Crotty a free hearing. I don’t think I’ve come down on either side – the audience can make up their own mind as to whether they see him as a hero or a villain.”
The play features just three characters: Crotty, his wife, Mary, and David Norris, his best friend, who eventually betrayed him.
Thirty two year-old Brian Coady plays Crotty. From Congress Place in the city, he too is very familiar with Crotty’s story and jumped at the opportunity to play the lead role. Theatre-goers in Waterford and beyond will know him from his roles in ‘Simple and Familiar’ as well as ‘The Seafarer’ and many more performances such as ‘The Lonesome West’.
“Performing in the open air will be a challenge, different to what I’m used to. But with Liam Meagher, Joe Meagher and Anna Jordan part of the background team, I really couldn’t say no to this opportunity. Crotty is such a legend in Waterford, I’m glad that someone finally wrote a play about him and no better woman than Martina Collender. She has really stepped up to the plate and I’d encourage everyone to come along.”
Crotty knew the Comeraghs like the back of his hand, so when he was being chased by the authorities he could easily hide on the mountain range. This was very frustrating for the police at the time so they started to offer bribes to some of Crotty’s men, asking for information on where he was hiding.
Legend has it that David Norris, who was Crotty’s most trusted companion, accepted these bribes. One night in February 1742, when he’d poured enough whiskey into Crotty to make him sleepy, he wet his gunpowder and stole his dagger. When the police arrived to arrest him, Crotty didn’t stand a chance.
In March that year, Crotty was went to trial in Waterford City and found guilty. He was executed by hanging and then had his head cut off and spiked outside the County Jail as a warning to those wishing to follow in his footsteps.
Mountain Zone’s Michael Whelan is co-ordinator of the event on the mountain and said the terrain is challenging but not overly difficult. Those who undertake the 40 minute hike will need a moderate level of fitness. He urged all those attending to dress appropriately
Those attending the play will leave Rathgormack Hiking Centre at 6.30pm that evening with their expert guide and co-ordinator. Michael is an international mountaineer and expedition leader with 25 years’ experience of climbing major peaks on four continents. A fee of €20 applies for the guided walk and play. Those who want to stay overnight on the mountain, camping in yurts, pay €50. Pre-booking is essential at 058-54975, full details on www.comeraghswild.com.