Local actor to star in new documentary on JFK's visit to Ireland

Monksland resident Ernie Draper will star in a new documentary being released next month which celebrates 60 years after John F. Kennedy's (JFK) visit to Ireland and his laying of the Wreath in Arbour Hill Dublin.

Ernie plays former Taoiseach Sean Lemass in the documentary, 'JFK At Arbour Hill' alongside actor Barry J Kinsella in the role of JFK. Speaking about the opportunity to feature in the documentary, Ernie said: “Jordan Rennix (director) met up with me and took a shot on me. My role (focuses on) when he (Sean) accompanied JFK to Arbour Hill. The main centrepiece is laying the wreath on Arbour Hill.”

The cast re-enact real events from the day JFK visited Dublin in 1963 and the documentary also features interviews with people who were present on this historic day.

Ernie added: “It was great to do it because I'm a huge fan of history. It was a great role to get.” The Dublin-born actor said that his scenes took a day to shoot but that the making of the whole documentary has taken about two years in total.

The film's duration is about 40 mins and it will be released in the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin on Sunday, June 18. Ernie said: “It was a great thing to be involved in. It was a very important part of history to have JFK visiting us.”

Speaking about the behind the scenes of the documentary, Ernie said that extras were dressed up as soldiers to make it as historically accurate as possible and they used ex service men from the ONE and put them in the audience at Arbour Hill.

“I've seen some of the footage and I think it came off very well. It will be a very enjoyable documentary to watch.” Ernie also explained that one of the original cars in the convoy that day was sourced for the documentary. “We managed to travel in it (for the documentary.) “It was definitely used by a couple of dignitaries that day.”

“I'm hoping this will open up a few doors because it's an extremely hard profession to crack. I'm very proud of the project and I hope to do a lot more in the future,” Ernie said.

18 Karat Productions, the independent production company based in Dublin which filmed the documentary said: “We’re so excited to finally be able to showcase this piece in time for the 60th Year anniversary. A look at a short visit that left a huge impact. We hope you all enjoy.”

Ernie previously was involved with Athlone Little Theatre and Movie Extras. He has appeared as an extra in Fair City and Crimecall in reconstruction videos. Ernie also previously appeared in a hilarious parody of the Fifty Shades of Grey franchise called 'Fifty Shades of Tae’ which was made by Athleague-based Mimar Media.

He gave a special mention to local man Ray Collins who he said was very helpful over the years. “He's always been very supportive. He helped me with character coaching and he's always on hand if I need any advice.

The trailer for 'JFK At Arbour Hill' can be viewed on 18 Karat Production's Facebook page.