The Frank Stagg Story: "We Have Him Back!", Brían MacSuibhne's play about the three funerals of Frank Stagg, comes to the O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin for one night on Friday 29 January 2027, presented by Seanchaí Iorrais – Erris Storytellers. Developed with the blessing and factual input of the Stagg family, it is a historically accurate and deeply human account of a censored moment in modern Irish history. Tickets €30 (concession €23.75) on TakeYourSeats.ie.

Key facts

Show: The Frank Stagg Story "We have him back!" by Brían MacSuibhne, presented by Seanchaí Iorrais – Erris Storytellers
Venue: O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin
Date and time: Friday 29 January 2027 at 8pm (doors open 7.15pm)
Running time: 2 hours
Age guidance: not suitable for under 12s — contains a violent force-feeding scene
Tickets: €30 standard, €23.75 concession for students, OAPs and the unwaged (plus €1.50 booking fee); reserved seating
Booking: online via TakeYourSeats.ie

About the play

We Have Him Back! is set in 1970s Leigue Cemetery, Ballina, Co. Mayo. It tells the story of a mother watching her son die, a wife confronting official falsehoods, a sister struggling to understand, and a brother whose love and resolve would not allow history to be buried in silence — weaving documented conversations, world and national news, music and life in 1970s rural Ireland to ground the personal tragedy in a wider historical moment.

"It conveys my brother Frank with honesty, dignity and accuracy. It honours not only his sacrifice, but the pain, courage and determination of our family in the face of Frank's treatment even after his death," says George Stagg, who, with five others, moved Frank's body into the republican grave on a cold wet November night 22 months after his death.

"Fifty years ago, the truth was buried in concrete, censorship and lies. This play is about uncovering that truth, about love between brothers, and a family who refused to let their son be erased from history," says writer Brían MacSuibhne. A major heritage and commemorative project, the play explores family, human rights and Section 31 State censorship, and is intended for audiences across generations — those with living memory and those encountering this history for the first time.

Frequently asked questions

When is The Frank Stagg Story on in Dublin?

One night only: Friday 29 January 2027 at 8pm at the O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin. Doors open at 7.15pm.

How much are tickets?

Standard tickets are €30 and concessions (students, OAPs and unwaged) are €23.75, plus a €1.50 booking fee per ticket. Seating is reserved.

How long is the play?

The running time is 2 hours.

Is it suitable for children?

No — it is not suitable for under 12s, as it contains a violent scene of force-feeding. Some scenes are not suitable for children.

Where can I book?

Book online through TakeYourSeats.ie via the O'Reilly Theatre booking page.

Tickets and how to book

Tickets for The Frank Stagg Story are €30 (concession €23.75, plus €1.50 fee) and it plays Dublin for one night only. Choose your seats on the O'Reilly Theatre booking page.

The Frank Stagg Story "We Have Him Back!" at the O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin - 29 January 2027