The Newpoint Players from Newry were taking on a work from one of Ulster's leading playwrights which mixes history and drama, and tries to draw the humanity from behind events which, 400 years later, have almost slipped into legend.
"Aside from Beckett, this is my favourite piece of 20th century Irish theatre," director Sean Treanor said.
"Friel's perspective is different from that taken by many historians, as O'Neill tries to convince biographer Bishop Peter Lombard that the most significant aspect of his life is not his flight from Ireland but his relationship with Mabel Bagnal."
But it was the historical resonance the work has today which drew Sean to it.
"I'm fascinated by the preconceptions of history people have and the way time can sometimes confound those preconceptions."
Though it has strong philosophical and historical leanings, Sean added that the play also has to entertain: "Unless the audience can see that this is a human story they'll find it hard to enjoy it."
For the cast, this has been a difficult piece to bring to the stage.
Conor McKeown, who played O'Neill's secretary Harry Hoveden, said: "The play is really wordy – and everything that's said in the play has a deeper meaning.
"That's a difficult thing to do as nothing is straight forward."
Paul McParland, who plays Hugh O'Donnell said: "It's written in a naturalistic way though, but it is flat out discussion and conversation.
"Making that interesting for the audience is hard."
Rehearsals began in January in the director's front room, with increased costs meaning the group could no longer afford to hire the Sean Hollywood arts centre.Ironically, the arts centre is named after one of the founding members of the Newport Players, but they say increased council costs have forced them out.
"If councils aren't willing to support the arts in their areas the arts are going to die," Fiona Treanor, who plays Mabel Bagnal, said.
The standard of plays may still be high, and events like the Ulster Drama Festival show that amateur theatre is going strong at the highest level, but many groups are finding it hard.
"In 20 years, if funding doesn't start coming, all these amateur groups are going to die and take down the festivals like this," Anthony Fitzpatrick, who plays Hugh O'Neill, said.

Making History has had an extended lifespan thanks to its competitive success.
"When you're doing any show, it's usually on for five or six nights and that's the end of it," Paul said.
Its wins on the festival circuit means that this show has found new life, and the cast have had to return to it a month after their last performance.
"Trying to get back into your character, and even remembering your lines, is hard," Paul said.
Yet they still retain an enthusiasm for the piece, which
"You have to have fun, otherwise there's no point in doing it," Anthony said.
"I've seen professional shows umpteen times where they've been below par - I think some professionals look at it as a job and that attitude affects their performance," he said.
But this group are here to compete, and get some constructive criticism on the show.
"When you do this in your home town everyone's going to tell you that you're great regardless, but an adjudicator is going to give you critical feedback," Paul McParland said.
Adjudicator Marie O'Sullivan, who is judging the festival, said afterwards that Making History was a "challenging play".
"It's not historical, but one which focuses on emotions and explores issues such as identity, emigration, love and loss," she said.
"The company explored a complex script with dedication and commitment.
"It's a long play, and very easy to lose the attention of the audience, but you held it throughout."
She had particular praise for the start of act two, with its evocative moonlit setting superbly captured by both effective set and accomplished acting.
In summing up the production, Ms O'Sullivan said it was: "Irish history explained with sincerity and truth."

n The AUDF Ulster Drama Festival continues in the Market Place theatre, Armagh, until tomorrow. For more information, contact the box office 3752 1821 on or log on to www.marketplacearmagh.com.
Coverage of the festival continues in Friday's News Letter.