THE FILM
The Film
Cork City Council commissioned a film to tell the story of the Hegarty family and the roles they played in the Irish War of Independance.
Funded by Cork City Council and the Hegarty family, filming of “The Hegartys of the Laurels” began in early 2024.
It was filmed in various locations around Cork City and County including in the Hegarty home, “The Laurels” on Pouladuff Road, The Lough Church and Spike Island.
The Cast & Crew
A very dedicated and enthusiastic production crew led by Producer Maurice Dineen worked to create and develop a script to portray the story of the Hegarty family and their comrades.
Auditions were held in late 2023 for the main roles with more than 20 actors offered parts in the film.
Inaugural Screening
The film was screened in Cork City Hall on Saturday, 13th April at 7.00pm as part of the Cork Lifelearning Festival at which Jim’s book “The Hegartys of the Laurels” was launched in 2022.
Local interest in the film has been phenomenal. The “sneak peek” screening was held as a way of thanking the City Council, Community Groups, family and friends for their support. The event was fully booked in less than 24 hours.
The Laurels
Filming
The Lord Mayor of Cork on Set
Behind the scenes
Screenwriter Elizabeth Scanlan gives us a look beind the scenes during filming in “The Laurels” and on Spike Island
Inaugural Screening
On Saturday 13th April we held the Inaugral Screening of “The Hegartys of The Laurels”.
Cork City Hall was fully booked for this very unique event and following two years of hard work and dedication, Maurice Dineen’s vision was realised.
This screening was a “sneak peek” at the film to thank Cork City Council and all of the local representatives and community groups who have been so supportive and encouraging.
The evening also became a fundraiser for Marymount University Hospital and Hospice. Over €2,500 was raised on the night and online donations were also made in memory of two special family members Betty Hegarty & Bridget O’Reilly.
Cork City Hall hosted the evening and to be given access to the magnificent Concert Hall was a wonderful privilege. Little did John Joe Hegarty think when he attended the official opening of the new City Hall in 1936, that one day he and his sisters Nan & Mamie would be honoured by the City they fought for.
We are so grateful to all of the musicians who played so beautifully that evening. Each part of the event was hugely significant to the Hegartys and all who knew them. The music was very emotional and resonated with the audience which added greatly to the very special atmosphere.
M.C. for the evening was Dan Breen from the Cork Public Museum and the event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Kieran McCarthy.
Pipers and Drummers from Ballyphehane Pipe Band, Thomas Davis Pipe Band, Tralee Pipes & Drums, Ballingeary Pipe Band & Millstreet Pipe Band began the event with “The Minstrel Boy” and “The Dawning of The Day” in memory of The Cork Volunteers’ Pipe Band and it’s founders Tomás MacCurtain and Tadgh Barry.
The sound of 21 Pipers & Drummers was so very powerful and very very moving.
One of the many connections that has been rediscovered has been the connection between John Joe Hegarty and Tadhg Ó Muirthile ( Tim Hurley ).
While reading Jim’s book, Tadhg’s Granddaughter realised the they had both been members of “H Company” and contacted Maurice Dineen to confirm this. Maurice arranged for the family to visit “The Laurels” and while there they offered to perform at the screening.
A family of very gifted musicians, it was very fitting that one of the instruments they used in their magical performance was Tadhg’s violin.
Highlights of the Screening
The Inaugural Screening
Souvenir
Programme
We are very grateful to Lettertec for sponsoring the printed Programme for the screening.
As publishers of “The Hegartys of The Laurels”, Lettertec have always been so supportive.
Publicity
On Thursday 25th January 2024, The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy paid a visit to the set of “The Hegartys of the Laurels”.
Many thanks to The Evening Echo for their coverage of the filming and the screening which generated huge interest in the Film
