Teegan Rodden presents Monica Hannigan with flowers from the cast.

Little Orphan Annie and her fellow orphans were forced to pander to Miss Agatha Hannigan's wishes and greet her with the rousing "We love you Miss Hannigan" in the 1933 comic strip - fast forward to 2012 and the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) loves Ratoath Musical Society's Miss Hannigan too!

Monica Hannigan of Ratoath was awarded the 'Best Comedienne' award at the annual AIMS banquet held at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney recently, for her performance as Miss Hannigan in the society's May production of 'Annie' at the Venue Theatre.

Monica accepted her award in front of a crowd of almost 1,000 attendees, supported by her husband Gerry and members of Ratoath Musical Society. Her honour was celebrated locally at a reception at Novello wine bar in Ratoath last Sunday night. Monica started her musical career in the festival choir at Loreto College and played numerous roles in school productions ranging from Miss Piggy to a Flamenco dancer in the Pirates of Penzance. Monica is surrounded by a very musical family, her sister-in-law is a singer with Anuna from the original Riverdance and her husband Gerry is an accomplished drummer and singer.

Monica and Gerry have appeared in numerous productions with both Ratoath and Dunboyne Musical Societies. She says she was "over the moon" to play the part of Miss Hannigan and to perform on stage with Gerry, who played Fred McCracken in the production.

"I was overwhelmed with the nomination and beyond delighted when I won the trophy," said Monica, who is looking forward to the next production with RMS.

AIMS are the premier awards of Irish Musical Theatre, recognising the dedication and professionalism of amateur societies in their performances both on and off stage in fostering talent and keeping community spirit alive.

The members of Ratoath Musical Society say they are immensely proud of Monica, who they dubbed 'the real Miss Hannigan', along with all of the cast and crew of 'Annie'. Ratoath Musical Society will hold auditions for its winter pantomime on Sunday, 2nd September, at the Venue Theatre, Ratoath.