A Carlow-born producer-director will return to his home county this week for the local premiere of his latest documentary celebrating Ireland’s culinary and drinks heritage.
The director, Frank Mannion, who is from Carlow but now lives in London, will present at the George Bernard Shaw room in Carlow County Library at 3pm on Friday. The free public screening will be followed by a Baileys Irish Cream reception, as well as a Q&A session with the director.
The documentary, described as ‘a cinematic toast to Ireland’s culinary and drinks legacy,’ has already garnered positive reviews from national publications. praised it as ‘poured to perfection ‒ raise a glass to this cinematic gem,’ while called it ‘a cheerful celebration of beloved tipples of Irish origin.’
Mannion’s film features an impressive roster of Irish personalities and celebrities, including Jameson whiskey blender Deirdre O’Carroll, comedian Pat Shortt, TV presenter Ryan Tubridy, media personality Laura Whitmore, celebrity chef Anna Haugh and Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley. The documentary also includes contributions from actor Sam Neill, who grew up in Tyrone, and wine expert Oz Clarke.
The production has Carlow connections beyond the director’s roots. Michael Flatley’s mother hailed from St Mullins and the creator has been to village several times to visit his parents’ grave. “Without my parents, I’d have nothing and be nothing,” Flatley acknowledges in the film.
Wine writer Oz Clarke also has local ties ‒ his mother was from Graiguenamagh and he recalls fond memories of fishing for salmon on the Carlow side of the River Barrow.
The documentary includes drone footage of the Barrow at Milford, shot by local Carlow farmer Paul Brennan, ensuring the county features prominently in the finished film.
Filming locations across Ireland included Ballyfin in Co Laois, the Donegal-based Muff Liquor Co (in which Russell Crowe and Ed Sheeran are investors) and Baileys farm in Tinahely, Co Wicklow, where the crew worked with fourth-generation dairy farmer Joe Hayden.
The director, whose previous productions include films starring Joanna Lumley, Anna Friel and Colin Firth, said he wanted to challenge viewers’ preconceptions about Irish food and drink culture beyond the familiar images of Guinness and Irish stew.
The Carlow screening precedes the film’s Co Wicklow premiere at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely at 8pm the same evening.
The event is free and open to the public. No booking is required.