Coosan filmmaker Leah Egan hopes "more young people will follow their gift" in 2026

We contacted a number of people from in and around the Athlone area to ask them about their highlight of 2025 and their hopes for the new year.

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Coosan actor and filmmaker Leah Egan recently picked up awards for two of her short films, 'Shelter' and 'I See a Voice'.

* My highlight of 2025 was...

Shooting my second original short film, Shelter, in Athlone. Shot over two days in one underground location at Wines Direct, Magazine Road, the production was a testament to the resourcefulness of the local community. Supported by three local businesses, eight local hosts, and a production team of 35, the production was female-led and 70 per cent of the cast were actors and artists with lived experience of the acute effect of conflict-induced displacement on their lives.

Knowing these people who had lost their homes and communities were brave enough to join us in the telling of this story added a sense of reverence and importance to our experience on set. There was a real sense of ‘togetherness’ on-set; of respect and care and patience and growth. For me, that was what felt most important. Witnessing the real-time surpassing of language barriers to connect and create. 'Shelter' premiered in Galway Film Fleadh and won Best Cinematography at the WFT Awards 2025.

* My hopes for 2026 are...

Hopefully Athlone's artist community will continue to grow and expand. I've shot both of my short films here in my home town, and am grateful to have access to a massively supportive, gifted local community. When I was growing up in town, there was no representation for professional actors, directors and screenwriters. Back then, it was either a 'hobby' or something reserved for Hollywood.

We've had so many locals involved, some of whom have gone on to work in the industry full-time. My hope is that more and more young people will take courage to follow their gifts. And those more mature might also take the leap to go after what it is they feel called to. It's never too late... or early! There's a fantastic community here in Athlone. And space for everyone. Here's to that, and more.