ARDFERT TO GET THE NATIONWIDE TREATMENT
EVER before it screens at the end of the month in Siamsa Tíre, Jim and Catherine McCarthy’s documentary on Ardfert is winning priceless recognition; as RTÉ’s Nationwide arrives to the village in January for an entire episode on the work.
The Fenit-based filmmaking couple received confirmation from the production team this week. Jim had sent them an advance copy of the documentary, having featured on Nationwide for an earlier film on Spa/Fenit.
“We are delighted that RTÉ are interested in the documentary to the extent that they are now coming down for a special feature on it all, on the film, on Ardfert, its people and its incredible heritage,” Jim said.
Ardfert: A Historical Gem pulls seemingly tells the whole story of the North Kerry community: from its origins as the eccelsiastic powerbase of the region to its part in the 1916 Rising.
But it also features a thrilling account of life in the Banna Inshore Rescue; which staged a mock emergency involving the Shannon Coastguard chopper along the stunning Banna shore that the McCarthy’s filmed with Hollywood-relish, deploying drones to capture the spectacle from overhead.
At the heart of the film is the Cathedral and the unprecedented archaeological excavation project that uncovered so much priceless information there about life in medieval Kerry. Jim and Catherine managed to get access to some of the nation’s leading experts on the time and place with a remarkable series of interviews bringing the backstory of the Cathedral to life. Meanwhile, Ardfert also seeks to right what is considered locally as an historical wrong: How Ardfert got smeared for in some way having sealed Casement’s fate. Nationwide will feature a lot of the documentary directly, complemented by interviews locally - including with Jim and Catherine. It screens on Friday, November 23, at Siamsa MEMBERS of Killorglin District Gun Club enjoyed their annual social at the Manor Inn, Killorglin on Saturday last. Every year the sharpshooters from the Laune insist on twinning the event with a fundraising drive for local organisations and individuals. This year’s recipients are the Ian O’Connell Fund and Kerry Mountain Rescue Team. A final figure has not been reached as yet but it’s estimated the gun club has raised in excess of €100,000 since it first started over 11 years ago.
“It’s good to give something back and once the community see you making an effort they generally row in behind what you’re doing. We’re delighted to help the community in any small way we can,” said Kevin Poff, Secretary of Killorglin District Gun Club.
The gun club is in rude health and it currently enjoys a membership of around 43 people who every week enjoy a shot in the lands around Killorglin.
Kevin thanked the people who attended Saturday’s event, and to all those who donated spot prizes and sponsorship. Killorglin District Gun Club is indebted to the farmers and land owners in the locality.
“Without the farmers we would have no club and we thank them for this. We’re completely dependent on their support,” Kevin said.