THE FILM

Inaugural Screening

A “sneak peek” 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 and this 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

Inaugural Screening

On Saturday 13th April we held the Inaugural 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. 1,000 tickets were made available and such was the support for our film, the event was fully booked in less than 24 hours!

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.

The Inaugural Screening

Souvenir

Programme

Publicity

IndieCork Film Festival