Ten brave people are about to step far outside their comfort zone to perform stand-up comedy in aid of local charities Croí and ACT for Meningitis. CroíACT is Galway Comedy Festival’s unique annual fundraising event, combining laughter and heart with community spirit. Now in its third year, the event sees locally based people step forward to try stand-up comedy, taking to the stage after weeks of expert tuition from comedian Karl Spain. Discover this year's lineup here...
Making their stand-up and CroíACT debuts in the Town Hall Theatre on Sunday 25th October are: Laura O’Connell, Adrian ‘Aido’ Devane, Nono McHugh & Sharon Egan, Cameron Cruickshank, Olivia Breene, Jack Masterson, Conor Graham, Fergus McGinn, and Louise Lally, with Karl Spain as host and MC.
Laura O’Connell is a comedian, writer and co-host of the award-nominated podcast Oh Right, Yeah. Her comedy is about finding the funny in motherhood, marriage and the general indignity of being a woman in her forties.
Adrian ‘Aido’ Devane has (almost) done it all: Bingo calling, singing, sommelier, film producer, barman, and computer sales. For CroíACT, he takes his next big step: his stand-up comedy debut.
In a first for CroíACT, there will be a double act this year: Nono McHugh & Sharon Egan. One made history, one sells houses, neither has a game plan. Meanwhile Cameron Cruickshank is the event’s overseas performer, who is ready to prove Scotland has good craic.
Olivia Breene grows businesses, builds brands, curates experiences, and talks for Ireland. Commercially minded, creatively wired, and now comedically unverified, let’s hope this strategy pays off.
Mayo’s Jack Masterson is a fresh face on the comedy scene and previously reached the final of Show Me The Funny. After a lifetime spent in hospitality, Conor Graham is looking forward to trying his hand at comedy.
Fergus McGinn is one of Galway’s best known publicans and is not impressed with Galway City Council’s attempts at rebranding. “I'll take part on one condition,” he said, “that they move Galway Comedy Festival to City Hall!”
And as for Louise Lally? “I have a lot of stories from retail,” she informed the organisers. “My solicitor said I should stop there.”
Karl Spain has called this year’s participants “incredible”. “I don't know how they find these people every year but every year they do,” he said. “I've been working with them for the last couple of weeks, and I've been learning from them as well. It's a great cause and you will get your money's worth and that money is going to a great place.”
CroíACT is a celebration of Galway humour and craic for two very deserving local causes. Croí’s aim is to lead the fight against heart disease and stroke, save lives, and empower and support families, communities and future generations to take control of their health and well-being.
ACT For Meningitis raises awareness, promotes education, and provides support to those affected by meningitis. It works to ensure wider public knowledge of signs and symptoms, that healthcare professionals have the right information, and that no one faces the aftermath of this disease alone. “We are delighted to once again partner with ACT for Meningitis, Galway Comedy Festival and Karl
Spain to bring this unique show to the stage,” said Mike Cubbard, Community & Events Fundraising Co-Ordinator with Croí. “Whilst raising all important funds for both charities, CroíACT allows us to raise awareness of the work we do in the community. We’re urging everyone to come along and support these brave participants as they take to the stage.”
Galway Comedy Festival 2026 is calling on the public to come to the show and support this year’s performers and both charities. Tickets are available via galwaycomedyfestival.ie. Those who cannot attend in person but would still like to support the charities, can donate by booking a Non Attending Donation Ticket.
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