What Winning the Spirit of AIMS Award Means to Drogheda Musical Society

When Drogheda Musical Society was reformed in 2023 after almost 40 years, the dream wasn't to win awards.

It was to create a place where people could come together, express themselves and experience the joy of musical theatre.

Just three years later, following our debut production of The Addams Family, Drogheda Musical Society was honoured to receive, and win, the prestigious Spirit of AIMS Award.

For everyone involved, it was a moment that will never be forgotten.

More Than an Award

Unlike awards that recognise individual performances or technical excellence, the Spirit of AIMS Award celebrates something much deeper.

It recognises the community spirit, resilience and dedication that lies at the heart of every musical society.

For Co-Founder Megan Monerawela, receiving the nomination alone felt like an incredible achievement.

"When we first registered with AIMS, we thought, 'OK, we're on our way now, we're officially an established musical society.' But never in a million years did I think we would receive an AIMS nomination, let alone win an award with our first production."

For Co-Founder Sheena Duffy, the significance of the award goes beyond the stage.

"The Spirit of AIMS Award is a very special award. It is the only non-performance-based award at the AIMS Awards. It meant that all our hard work and dedication was noticed. Not only was it noticed, it was applauded."

A Journey Built by a Community

Bringing Drogheda Musical Society back to life wasn't easy.

Starting from scratch meant building everything from the ground up, forming a committee, raising funds, finding rehearsal spaces, securing theatre hire and bringing together a community of people who shared the same passion for musical theatre.

Before staging a full-scale production, the society organised cabaret performances and fundraising events simply to make the dream financially possible.

Every member, volunteer and supporter played a part.

That is why this award means so much.

This Award Belongs to Everyone

Both founders are united in one belief, this achievement belongs to the entire DMS family.

Megan reflects:

"While myself and Sheena were the ones who got the ball rolling, we would never have been able to pull this off without everyone's support. It belongs to all the members of Drogheda Musical Society."

Sheena expands on that sentiment:

"This award belongs to absolutely everyone that has had any dealings with the society since we started. It belongs to every member, every performer, everybody who sold or bought a raffle ticket, everybody who helped both front and backstage, everybody who liked and shared a post on our socials, everybody that came to our fundraising nights, everybody!"

The Spirit of DMS

For both founders, the award perfectly reflects what they set out to create.

When Megan and Sheena first discussed reforming the society, their vision wasn't simply to stage musicals.

It was to build a welcoming community where people could develop their confidence, make friends and experience the joy of performing.

As Megan explains:

"We wanted to create a welcoming environment where everyone felt comfortable to express themselves, to sing, to dance and to develop their performing skills."

Today, that vision is alive in every rehearsal, every performance and every friendship formed through DMS.

Looking to the Future

Winning the Spirit of AIMS Award will always be one of the proudest moments in Drogheda Musical Society's history - for now...

As preparations continue for 9 to 5: The Musical, coming to the Barbican Theatre in March 2027, the society remains committed to creating exceptional productions while continuing to provide a welcoming home for performers, volunteers and theatre lovers across the region.

Perhaps Megan says it best when reflecting on the legacy she hopes DMS will leave:

"It's never too late to start something new, and everyone will always be welcome in Drogheda Musical Society."

That is the true Spirit of AIMS.

And that is the spirit of Drogheda Musical Society.