A host of Galwegians with longevity on their sides are set to light up the screen next week in the highly anticipated award-winning film – and what they all have in common is that they predated the formation of the State!
‘Older Than Ireland’ is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Fegan, from ‘The Irish Pub’, and features thirty Irish men and women aged 100 years and over who share their life’s memories in this charming film.
The film will explore each centenarian’s journey from their birth at the dawn of Irish Independence to their life as a centenarian in modern day Ireland, offering a rare insight into the personal lives of these remarkable individuals.
Snackbox Films produced the documentary which received Best Documentary award and a standing ovation at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh.
Each centenarian boasts a unique perspective on life and its true meaning, reflecting on key events such as the day they got their first pair of shoes, the thrill of their first kiss, the magic of their wedding day and the tragic loss of their loved ones, all brought together in this thoughtful and endearing film.
From 113 year old Kathleen Snavely, the oldest person in Ireland ever on record, to 108 year old Luke Dolan, Ireland’s oldest man, audiences will met with a colourful cast of characters from all walks of life, whose extraordinary lives will unfold before viewers on the big screen.
Galway locals featured in the film include sisters Margaret Kelly and Mary Kilroy, along with Kathleen Fosdike, Madge Fanning – who features in the Guinness Book of Records as a member of the Irish family with most centenarians – and Winnifred Anderson.
North Galway will watch with particular pride the screen debuts of Mary Kilroy from Caltra – now in her 102nd year – and Margaret Kelly, who was in her 100th year before her passing.
Mary from Caltra and Margaret from Cloongowna, Ballymacward, were originally Mannions hailing from Fairhill, Menlough.
The Fairhill sisters have a brother, John Mannion who now lives in Limerick, and a sister Christina Ownes, living in Ballagh, Menlough.
The premiere will be a proud day for both sisters’ families, but as for Margaret Kelly’s family in particular, the film will be a pleasant memory in the years ahead.
According to Mary Kilroy’s son, Mattie, who also resides in Caltra, both Mary and Margaret were married to and worked diligently on their farms for most of their lives alongside their husbands Michael Kilroy and JP Kelly, both now deceased.
“It was nice to see our mother in the film but unfortunately due to sight difficulties she will be unable to see the film but she hopes to get a recording of the sound which she can listen to in the months ahead,” said Mattie.
The thirty cast members were handpicked from a possible three hundred candidates over the age of 100 across the country.
The film will premiere in Dublin this Saturday and Thursday, and Galwegians will be able to see the film in the Eye Cinema from September 25.
