Chris O’Dowd secures film option on book co-authored by Athlone writer
The remarkable story of gambling addict Tony O'Reilly which was co-authored by an Athlone man could be made into a film after a group including Roscommon-born actor Chris O'Dowd recently took an option on the book.
'Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman who Gambled €10,000,000 … and lost it all' tells the tale of Carlow native Tony O'Reilly, a postman who stole €1.75 million from An Post while he was a branch manager in Gorey, Co. Wexford.
He used the money to fund a gambling addiction that began with a bet of €1 and eventually rose to €10 million, leading to the loss of his job, his family, his home – and ultimately a prison sentence.
Tony co-authored the book with Athlone native Declan Lynch, a Sunday Independent column and well-known writer.
Recently, Roscommon actor Chris O'Dowd and production company Treasure Entertainment secured an option to make a film of the book.
Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Declan Lynch, who grew up in Arcadia, son of the late Frank and Frances Lynch, explained that Chris O'Dowd had loved the book. Film director, screenwriter and novelist John Butler, who is also reported to be involved in the proposed film, had also read 'Tony 10'
Lynch stressed that it was early days in the process. “It's such a long road to get a film made,” he said. “We are just hoping for the best,” he said.
Asked if he had been aware of the cinematic potential of the book, Declan laughed that almost everybody who read it said it could make a great film.
He stressed that he was most pleased with news of the option as it would further heighten awareness of the book.
“For me it's about the book and anything that helps the book is the key for me.”
He said the feedback on the book had been huge and nothing he had written before had garnered such reaction from readers.
Three years on they are still being contacted by people who speak of the impact the book had on their lives, he explained.
An option was taken on Lynch's first novel All The People, All The Time, but, to date, it has not been made into a movie.