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Arts & Culture

Key scenes in €22 million war movie shot in Clare

THE opening and closing scenes of a new €22 million film have been shot in Clare, with filming in the county concluding this week at the old Kinturk National School. The film is entitled ‘God’s Spy’ and is being directed by Todd Komarnicki, who wrote the acclaimed biographical drama, ‘Sully’. Its director of photography John Matheson was involved in the making of ‘Gladiator’ and is one of the world’s top cinematographers. Location manager Seán Flynn said, “This is a European co-production, being shot in Belgium and in Ireland. Clare has the opening and closing scenes. In East Clare we filmed in O’Briensbridge, we’re filming here in Kinturk outside Connolly today, that’s where the movie ends, the final scenes of the movie are being shot in the old schoolhouse in Kinturk. We’ve also shot at Fanore Beach and the Burren.” He said there had been great backing for their work in Clare. “Clare County Council have been unbelievably supportive, including Siobhán …

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Public urged to put Ennis in picture to inspire painting series

THE town of Ennis is set to be put in the frame as part of a collaboration between a local artist and well-known hotel – and inspiration is being sought from the public. Artist Cathal Butler has been commissioned by Treacys West County Hotel Ennis to create a selection of paintings showcasing the very best of Ennis town and its environs. A photographic competition has now been launched urging members of the public to send an image they believe best captures Ennis which will be transformed into works of art. Five photos will be chosen for Cathal to bring to life on canvas, and the original paintings will be displayed in the hotel’s new Clare Art Display in the hotel lobby. As well as having their winning image immortalised in the hotel, they will also receive a night’s stay at any of the Treacy Group Hotels and a print of the painting. The new paintings will join other works by …

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Clare Elvis Presley fan had joyful Graceland meeting with late Lisa Marie just days before star’s death

AN Ennis Elvis fan has recalled the contrasting emotional high of being on “cloud nine” after meeting Lisa Marie Presley in Graceland to an “unimaginable feeling of grief” after learning about her sudden death a few days later. Looking back on the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation, Priscilla Lernihan remembered a very poignant moment when Lisa Marie admitted Elvis fans were the only reason to leave her house, having been a virtual recluse since her son’s tragic death. In an interview with the Clare Champion, Priscilla recalled Lisa Marie was a different person from the one that appeared at the Golden Globe Awards after she spent an hour meeting and greeting fans in Graceland. Still on holidays in New York when Lisa Marie (54) was taken to hospital, Priscilla was shocked to learn from her husband, Kevin, she had died following a suspected cardiac arrest. “It was a huge shock. It might seem a bit silly to be upset over someone …

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Framing a passion: ‘When I pick up a rock, it tells me a story’

GEOLOGIST and photographer, Robert Fairfield feels like a detective when he examines a rock. – “When I pick up a rock, it tells me a story. Like a detective, I look at it and see how did this rock get here.” Thanks to his geology training, Mr Fairfield can categorise most rocks into a particular era, but uses a more detailed analysis with specific tools to confirm their precise origin and date. “If I pick up a piece of volcanic rock, I know it came from a volcano. If I pick up a piece of limestone, I know it came from the sea. If there are fossils in it, I know it came from a coral reef,” he said. Recently, combining his two passions – geology and photography – helped him to scoop the runners-up prize in the Irish Geological Survey’s 2022 Du Noyer Photographic Competition. Each year, Geological Survey Ireland holds a photo competition in honour of George Victor …

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‘Paw’some pooch needed for opera production in UCH

Has your dog got star quality? If your pet pooch is something of a Brad Pitt-bull or a Sandra Bull-dog, then they could win a place in the spotlight in the beautiful and romantic opera La Bohème, coming to University Concert Hall on April 6, 2023. Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said, “People say never work with children or animals, but I love to do both. “The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit. “Since then we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage. “Many years ago, when we last did La Bohème and asked local people to volunteer their pets it was a huge success. “We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners! We’re a nation of animal lovers after all. I’m sure there is plenty of doggie talent out there.” Your …

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Craic and creativity combine in meeting of North Clare minds

SIMON O’Reilly came to Clare to work for a week, after spending much of his early life in Australia and Holland. Twenty-three years later, the musician, composer and producer is still here.  He has certainly been busy during those two decades developing his music studio between Lahinch and Doolin and working with artists including Luka Bloom, Susan O’Neill, the ConTempo Quartet, the Monks of Glenstal, Davy Spillane and Kila. A composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music video maker, Simon has also found the time to showcase the musical energy of the West at festivals both local and international.  Under the banner of Doolin Arts, a not-for-profit organisation which describes itself as a “flying column of creative souls” committed to supporting and defending the arts, Simon co-founded Hedge School. The eclectic offering brings together creative artists and producers of all kinds in a series of workshops, performances and conversations that will take place from January 27 to 29 in Doolin. The …

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Ukrainian artist’s ‘mane’ ambition to meet showjumping star

A Ukrainian artist, living in Ennis, Yeni Goryeva, has painted a portrait of Irish showjumper Conor Swail, and is hoping to contact him to present him with the painting. The Ennis based artist painted Swaile from a magazine cover. Yeni came from Kiev earlier in the year and now lives in a hotel in Ennis with other members of her family. Yeni is an artist and was also the owner and professional hairdresser at her beauty salon in Ukraine. But everything changed on February 24 with the start of the war and Yeni and her daughter Anastasia came to live for now, to Ennis. While living in Ireland for the last few months she has been inspired by beautiful nature, people and Irish people’s hospitality. She never stopped painting her art work and this year her work has featured in art exhibitions called ‘A Ukrainian Artist’s View of Ireland’. One day in a store Yeni saw a magazine with a man …

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The Clare artist, the pirate queen and the Monaco royals…

A PAINTING by Ennis artist Mick O’Dea is getting the royal treatment in its brand new home. His painting of the Grace O’Malley Tall Ship is now on display in the offices of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco at the Yacht Club Monaco. The artwork which was commissioned by Robert Lee Mulcahy is on permanent loan and on display at the yacht club. The painting was purchased by The ATLANTIC Youth Trust, a charity focused on youth development through working with tall ships. Earlier this year the charity purchased a 164ft tradewind schooner, now named the Grace O’Malley after the famous Pirate Queen. Following a refit of the vessel the charity aims to provide on board training to 1,000 young people annually from all socio-economic backgrounds in sailing, navigation and communication skills development. Speaking to the Clare Champion, artist O’Dea said, “I’m proud to be associated with such a worthy cause. The complete refurbishment of Ireland’s new tall ship …

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