Tinteán

Nature of Event: A New Film about the Famine

Wild Goose Lodge Trailer

‘Wild Goose Lodge’ is set in rural Ireland in 1816 and is based on a true story. It is a harrowing tale of love, betrayal, revenge and death – themes that are universal and will appeal to a global audience.

Known as the ‘year without a summer’, 1816 was a truly desperate time in Ireland. Crops failed and extreme poverty prevailed throughout the country. Evictions were commonplace, crime was widespread and even minor offences were punishable by hanging.

Edward Lynch, who lives at Wild Goose Lodge with his family, incurs the wrath of a secret society known as the Ribbonmen, after he gives evidence of a robbery at his home, leading to the hanging of three young men. Swearing a secret blood oath, the Ribbonmen, vow to avenge the death of their comrades. A dark chapter in local history unfolds with tragic consequences for the Lynch family and the wider community. Neighbour is pitted against neighbour and church against crown.

The story of ‘Wild Goose Lodge’ has been whispered and passed from generation to generation in Co. Louth and is now brought to life on screen. It has been shot beautifully on location in the area where the actual events took place and contains an atmospheric soundtrack scored by folk legend and actor Finbarr Fury who also starred in ‘Gangs of New York’.

It stars an impressive cast of well known faces from Irish film and television including Dave Duffy (Fair City), John Connors (Love/Hate, Cardboard Gangsters) and Michael Collins (Man about Dog, Glenroe) along with talented actors from Co. Louth theatre and members of the local community. Some of these actors have ancestors who lived in the area in 1816. Their local accents and dialect add to the authenticity of the story telling.

The film has a strong connection to Australian-Irish history, and has reached the final of the 2018 ‘Australia Independent Film Festival’  in Brisbane on 24^th November.

 Some of the scenes in the movie were shot in the ‘Workhouse’ in the nearby town of Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. This building housed the poorest of the poor during the ‘Great Famine’ between 1845 and 1850. During this period, under the ‘Paupers Emigration Scheme’, several girls between the ages of 14 and 18 were emigrated from the Workhouse to Australia as wives and servants of the settlers and convicts there.

When: Friday 30 November, 9pm

Where: The Sun Theatre,

How ro book: event is free but to secure tickets, email wildgoose1816@gmail.com

More Information: Email Willie Martin