ADJUDICATORS 2026/27
Gilbert Section - Pat McElwain
Pat McElwain- Gilbert Adjudicator 2026-2027:
We are delighted to have Pat McElwain on board again for the season ahead as Gilbert Adjudicator for the 2026-2027 season. He holds a MA in Theatre Studies from Dublin City University and brings a wide, valued and extensive experience to this role from his work as a Producer, Actor, Writer and of course his work as an acclaimed Director. His directing credits include Honk!, Fiddler on the Roof, Michael Collins-A Musical Drama and Crazy for You to name a few and along the way he has on nine occasions shows he’s worked on have been nominated for Best Overall Show at the AIMS Awards. He has also won and been nominated on multiple occasion for Best Directors, Best Comedian and Best Supporting Actor. He is a three time winner of the Best Director Award for the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera.
Pat brings with him a wealth of experience and thoroughly enjoyed his previous seasons as AIMS Adjudicator and is looking forward to another exciting and memorable year ahead when once again talent will shine across the musical societies around the country.
Sullivan Section - Justin Parkes
We are excited to announce Justin Parkes as the Adjudicator for the Sullivan Adjudicator for the 2026-2027 season. Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings, Justin was encouraged to embrace his comedic side, which has served him well throughout his life. He made his stage debut with the Navan Road Musical Society as Benny Southstreet in Guys & and has been passionate about performing ever since. Justin has taken on various roles with Teachers Musical Society in productions like Seussical, Honk, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, as well as with Coolmine Musical Society in My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof, where he earned the Best Actor award at the AIMS Awards for his portrayal of Tevye. In addition to his acting, Justin has directed several award-winning productions, including Trim Musical Society's nomination for Best Overall Show for Evita. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the arts, he believes this is the perfect time to this new role. Justin is eager to serve as the Sullivan Adjudicator in the coming year and looks forward to witnessing the incredible talent displayed by societies across the country.
Gilbert Programme Adjudicator - Brian Gunning
Brian has been a member of Tullamore Musical Society for 41 years appearing in 33 productions and serving on various
committees in positions of Chairman, President. Hon. Treasurer and PRO. As PRO, he was editor of show programmes for which he won AIMS awards in 1991 and 1992 and received a nomination in 1993.
In 2010 in recognition of his service honorary life membership was bestowed upon him by the society.
Brian has been a member of the board of directors of Tullamore Credit union for the last 30 years serving as president in 2007and 2008.
In his spare time he enjoys a round of golf and was greatly honoured to serve as captain of Tullamore Golf Club in 2018.