A 150 year old mystery from Castlefin is the subject of the new Butt Drama Circle play premiering this evening (Thursday) and tomorrow evening in The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey.
Found Drowned – The Mysterious Death of Bella Brooks examines the events surrounding the death of Bella Brooks, found floating in the river Finn near Donneyloop on July 4, 1876.
A popular figure, the discovery of her body, dressed for a wedding, was the cause of much rumour and suspicion. Many pointed the finger of blame at her fiancé, Robert Lecky, while others maintained that she took her own life.
Did she jump? Was she pushed? Was she murdered and then placed in the water? Was there a cover-up? Was she pregnant?
What happened to the £190 her late father left her in his will? To this day the tragic tale of Bella Brooks has always asked more questions than it has provided answers.
Written by Conor Malone and directed by JC Bonar, Found Drowned – The Mysterious Death of Bella Brooks is the Butt Drama Circle’s entry into the 2026 All Ireland One Act Drama Festival circuit.
The play will be preceded by a short 20 minute drama entitled Waiting For Godfrey.
Written by Brian Walsh and directed by Kieran Quinn it tells the story of the victorious warrior Godfrey O Donnell, first Chieftain of the O’Donnell Clan, as he makes his way home following the Battle of Credan Kille in 1257.
Found Drowned – The Mysterious Death of Bella Brooks can be seen this Thursday October 8 and Friday, October 9 at The Balor, Ballybofey at 8pm nightly. Tickets are €15 available from The Balor Box Office on 0749131840 or online at www.balorartscentre.com
The discovery of the body of Bella Brooks, dressed for a wedding, was the cause of much rumour and suspicion.