Offaly playwright's film currently being shot in Athlone

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Edenderry playwright Eugene O’Brien’s latest project One Sweet Hour is currently being filmed at locations around Athlone.

The film, which centres on two brothers, a monk and an Elvis impersonator, is described by the 'Pure Mule' creator as “a road movie that moves about three miles an hour.”

“They’re on a canal barge together. They’re both carrying trauma and have to confront various things,” Eugene said, speaking to Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1 earlier this year.

“It’s funny and it’s dramatic, and there’s a kind of twist. I’m really excited about it.”

The playwright added that there are two well-known Irish actors involved in the film, which is set in Offaly and shooting at various locations around Athlone until the end of next week.

Speculation in the Athlone area about the possible involvement of popular Cork-native actor Cillian Murphy had been rife in recent days, but the Edenderry playwright dismissed the rumours.

“Unfortunately, Cillian isn’t involved, although we’d love to have him,” he said.

The project was filming in Monahan's pub in Baylough on Wednesday, as well as at the White Bridge on Wednesday and Thursday. Another local filming location is Drum, where staff of the film have been granted parking permission at Drum Community Centre.

“It’s been going very well so far,” Eugene said. “We have crews from all over, including a couple of local apprentices. It's been a great experience.”