Gaelach Gorm Theatre in Kill is set to shine a light on one of Waterford’s most compelling local histories with its new production, ‘The Men Who Sank Beneath the Sea’, written by London‑based Kilmac native Tom O’Brien.

The hour‑long piece, staged in the 70‑seat raked theatre at Kill Community Centre, explores the rise and fall of the Bunmahon copper mines from the 1820s to the 1870s. Through a mix of monologues, songs and video, the play traces the lives and sacrifices of the miners, the dangers of working below sea level in frequently flooded tunnels, and the eventual closure that sent many locals as far as Butte, Montana in search of work.

Directed by Angela Mulcahy and James Barry, the production also touches on the work of Reverend Dowdney, whose efforts to improve conditions in Bunmahon, which includes a printing press and infant school, were not without controversy in a predominantly Catholic community.

A core community cast of 11 actors takes on multiple roles on and off stage, handling everything from acting and narration to sets, props and costumes, in the tradition of the old travelling ‘fit‑ups’.

Performances take place on Friday, July 24th, and Saturday, July 25th, with tickets available via PowerTik. With seats almost sold out, a third night is being considered if demand remains strong.