Horror at The Lodgers gothic film’s Wexford premiere choice

THE location for the Irish premiere of the gothic horror film The Lodgers was questioned by Cllr Michael Whelan who said New Ross and not Wexford should have been the setting as most of the film was filmed in the New Ross district.

The Lodgers was launched in The Arc cinema in Wexford town on Tuesday, March 6, before getting its New Ross release at St Michael’s Theatre on Tuesday night last,

Set largely in the New Ross district, namely in Loftus Hall on Hook Head, Clongeen village and Tintern Abbey, Cllr Whelan said the launch should have been held in New Ross.

Chairman Cllr John Hegarty said the south of the county, including Johnstown Castle, was very well presented in the film, directed by Brian O’Malley.

‘It was very well made and it certainly shows south Wexford in a positive light. It should be a huge boost to tourism in the south of the county.’

Cllr Whelan said he would like to join in congratulating the team behind the film, adding: ‘I would question why it would go to Wexford town and not to New Ross.’

Cllr Larry O’Brien said he agreed with his fellow New Ross man.

’There are no picture houses in New Ross,’ Cllr George Lawlor said.

‘I am concerned again that we are being overlooked in the New Ross district. And we do have a cinema at the theatre,’ Cllr Whelan said.

Director of Services John Carley said the film production company wanted to have the premiere in Wexford town, adding that Wexford County Council cooperated with the film and put resources into it.

‘I understand there is a premiere in New Ross tomorrow,’ Mr Carley said.

Cllr Whelan asked if in future can other districts other than Wexford be considered for the launch of events.

Mr Hegarty replied that he attended the launch of the mobile library service in Duncannon three days previously. Cllr Ger Carthy asked if councillors can be given more notice about events as he received an invitation to an event on the morning it was taking place.