Coast to Coast with Munich’s film
YOU can now traverse the width of the country in the company of one of Drogheda’s most wellknown ramblers - and from the comfort of your own home - thanks to the talents of a Co Meath filmmaker.
Siún O’Connor has just released what she calls her ‘ labour of love’; a one-hour documentary chronicling the Coast to Coast journey taken by Munich Reilly and friends in 2017, from Mornington to the Cliffs of Moher.
And what better time to follow their travels while we’re all stuck at home?
“Everyone has been doing the Camino for the past few years, well this is a Camino with a twist,” says Siún, with a laugh. “I wanted to make a real ‘warts and all’, fly on the walk documentary of the trip, and in many ways, it has ended up as a personal journey, along with the week’s walking across Ireland.”
The film follows a handful of friends, led by the intrepid Marian Park man, traversing the country on an off-road adventure.
“We begin our journey at the mouth of the Boyne in Mornington on Ireland’s Ancient East and follow the river for four days nearly to its source before meeting the Grand canal at Edenderry,” explains Siún, who has showcased other work on the RTE Player. “We continue to the Shannon at Portumna before entering the West and travelling through southern Galway, taking in Gort and Lough Graney (Clare) before we’ve to negotiate the Burren. The big reveal and what we’re all gearing up for is catching sight of the Atlantic ocean and nearing our destination at the magical Cliffs of Moher.”
Siún, says she loved making the film – even if she struggled at times – and isn’t certain if they loved having her make the film!
“I met Munich through my sister and we have been on lots of walks locally, and when I wanted to make initially a radio documentary, I thought his third trip from coast to coast would make a great subject,” she explains. “I’m not sure the rest of the walkers knew what they were taking on, with me pointing a camera in their face all the time, but even if tempers frayed slightly at times, it was very polite!”
Siún didn’t even own a camera before she set off, so started a FundIt page to raise the funds.
What started out as a simple diary of the walk, is a bittersweet blend of languid Boyne Valley scenery, jocular personalities and mishaps, interwoven with the director’s own hurdles to cross.
“There are highs and lows – the lows of hitting bad weather, my own anxiety about whether I can complete it and feeling like an intruder at times - and the highs of amazing countryside, the camaraderie and of course, finally getting to the cliffs in the pouring rain,” she explains.
“Munich is such an amazing character and has such an amazing outlook on life, we could all learn from him, that during these difficult times, something as simple as walking can have such healing qualities.”
Siún’s film Coast to Coast 2017 is available to view on Youtube, and she hopes to have a Drogheda premiere after lockdown is lifted.