Film Ireland Presents: Eugene O'Brien, Writer of Tarrac

Film Ireland Podcast

In this Film Ireland Podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Eugene O Brien, Writer of 'Tarrac', which is in cinemas from 6th October 2023. Filmed on the breathtaking landscapes of Corca Dhuibhne, Dingle Peninsula, in County Kerry, this award-winning Irish-language film, Tarrac, stars Kelly Gough (Kill Command, Out of Innocence) Lorcan Cranitch (Lakelands, Aisha, Róise & Frank) Kate Nic Chonaonaigh (An Cailín Ciúin, Song of Granite, Shadow Dancer), Kate Finegan (Joyride, Rós na Rún), Rachel Feeney (Belfast, Death on the Nile) and Cillian Ó Gairbhí (Róise & Frank, Foscadh) Producer Clíona Ní Bhuachalla (Seamus Heaney – Out of the Marvellous, The Clinic), writer Eugene O Brien (Eden, Pure Mule) and director Declan Reeks (Pure Mule, The Running Mate, Scúp) began discussions about making a feature film as gaeilge. Eugene states “TARRAC has really been a labour of love for myself, Declan and Clíona and Kerry was absolutely vital to the film. This world-renowned landscape battered by the Atlantic ocean is the home to the unique boat – the Naomhóg. The location has such great identity from the language to the landscape to the characters and indeed the boat itself.” Aoife Ni Bhraoin (Kelly Gough) returns home to help her father Brendan ‘The Bear’ O’Briain (Lorcan Cranitch) in his recovery from a heart attack. During this time, Aoife faces the grief of her mother’s death that she hasn’t dealt with until now. A lot has been left unsaid between her and her father. Aoife reacquaints with a group of rowers and this all-female team, who against the odds, take on a high stakes Naomhóg rowing competition. TARRAC is a drama set at the edge of the world, the coastlines and sea of the Dingle peninsula. A place of wild geography, where the weather and the people have a mind of their own. TARRAC has warmth and a sense of place. An intimate character study of a woman who through a sporting passion finally manages acceptance and love. Laced with humour, heart break and exciting action set against the stunning landscapes and seas of the Kerry Gaeltacht, TARRAC is about daring to care again and learning the power of forgiveness. Tarrac opens in Irish cinemas on 6th October 2023.