Local heritage offices combine to help produce Lough Ree film series

A special film launch and screening of ‘The Stories of Lough Ree’, a series of four short films took place last week at a special reception in Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

Each of the four videos outlined the history, heritage and people associated with one of the country’s finest and most significant waterways.

The special launch and screening event celebrated a series of four highly engaging and informative short films that explore the rich history, culture and stories surrounding Lough Ree as told by those with a deep and enduring connection to the waterway.

The Heritage Offices of Roscommon, Westmeath & Longford County Councils in association with Oliver Fallen from Bailey & Blake Productions collaborated to deliver this ambitious cultural project, in the process producing four outstandingly made videos which beautifully reflect the wonder of this rich natural resource.

The first video screened, Lough Ree: ‘Through the mists of time’, focused on the extensive heritage of Lough Ree from its historic churches to stories of Vikings and later visitors to the lake.

The second, Lough Ree: ‘A Life that is Lost’, explores memories of island for the islanders of Lough Ree. The third video, Lough Ree: ‘A corridor of power and passage’ explores the story of how Lough Ree's water highway facilitated settlement in the area over thousands of years.

The fourth and final video, Lough Ree: ‘Nature still teaches’, is filmed on the island of Inchcleraun otherwise known as Quaker Island. Island farmer Herbert Farrell reflects on his relationship with the land which is run in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to conserve and improve the habitat of the island.

The films also feature contributions from ancestors of generations who have lived on Lough Ree as well as Historians Harman Murtagh, Gearoid O’Brien and Jacqueline née Creaven d'Towey. Also featured extensively are archaeologists Daniel Curley and Kieran O’Connor; NPWS Ranger Susan Moles and Luke Kenny from the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO).

Speaking at the launch, Leas Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr John Keogh said it was “important to increase the number of people who know and care about the social, cultural and historical value of our heritage. These films capture the stories of Lough Ree and it is wonderful to have this heritage documented.”

Heritage Officer with Roscommon County Council Nollaig Feeney paid tribute to those who contributed to the movie shorts: “your stories keep alive the unique stories and heritage of Lough Ree for future generations.

“Lough Ree was once a major ecclesiastical centre in Ireland and supported generations of families earning a living from the land and from fishing. These videos put the wider area in its proper place as an area of natural beauty,” said Ms Feeney.

Cllr John Gibbons of Westmeath County Council also addressed the event as well as the Heritage Officer of Westmeath County Council, Melanie McQuade. She hailed the project as a unique collaboration between all three local authorities drained by Lough Ree.

The evening was further enhanced with a series of special poetry readings by poet Clifton Redmond who recited a number of verses paying tribute to the beauty of Lough Ree and its history.

There was also music performed by traditional musicians Stephen Heffernan and Neil Fitzgibbon who performed a selection of traditional airs. Film narrator Oliver Fallen also addressed the large attendance.

The four videos can be viewed on Roscommon County Council’s You Tube channel and will also be showcased on the Council’s social media platforms.