When local musician and lecturer Ellen O’Reilly launched Deadly Craic Comedy Club earlier this year, she wasn’t just starting another gig night. She was bringing laughter, energy and a real sense of community back to Drogheda’s nightlife.
“I saw a gap in the local market,” Ellen says. “When I ran my first club, Crescent Comedy Club, it was the only regular one in Drogheda. And right now, Deadly Craic is still the only one. I’m passionate about my hometown, and after living abroad for ten years, I wanted to do something that would bring a bit of life back to it.”
That passion found a home at McHugh’s, where Ellen runs the monthly club from The Watchtower upstairs. The space has quickly become a go-to spot for comedy lovers and creatives.
“Alan Cooney, the manager, has been amazing. He’s fearless in supporting every whacky and creative type there is,” Ellen says. “The venue is central, full of character and the layout is perfect for comedy. It’s got everything we need – a bar upstairs, newly reopened loos and a great buzz on show nights.”
Each Deadly Craic night features a mix of big names and first-timers. “We always have a well-known headliner. Enya Martin, Emma Doran and Damo Clark have all played, and we always keep a five-minute open spot for anyone brave enough to give comedy a go,” she says. “It’s incredible value for money. You get five comics for the price of two pints.”
The nights are lively and full of personality. “It’s very relaxed and fun. Our team all wear blue Deadly Craic shirts so people can spot us, and we’ve teamed up with Al’s Tees for giveaways and funny local merch. It’s immersive, a bit mad, and always a great night out.”
Running a comedy club hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s been a huge learning curve – from booking acts and promoting online to managing the tech side,” Ellen says. “But I’ve learned from every show. I always try to make sure the line-up has the right energy, that the night flows and that people leave wanting to come back.”
For Ellen, Deadly Craic is about more than just entertainment. “It’s about connection,” she says. “I just want to bring people together. Drogheda is full of talent, and venues like McHugh’s give creatives a space to explore their art. Without that, what have we got? No community and no craic.”
Support from Louth County Council and Love Drogheda BID has helped the club grow, and Ellen says the response from locals has been incredible. “It makes me proud to be pure Drawda. Everyone’s been so supportive and positive.”
Looking ahead, Ellen plans to build on the success of Deadly Craic Events. “We’ve got some big shows coming in the new year with Grace Mulvey and Tim McGarry, and I’d love to eventually host bigger shows downstairs in McHugh’s. But for now, it’s about making every monthly night the best it can be.”
The next Deadly Craic Comedy Club night takes place at McHugh’s on Friday, 28th November, with Father Ted/Savage Eye star Pat McDonnell as the headliner.
“Come along,” Ellen says with a smile. “Support local, have a laugh and remember, without community there’s no craic.”
