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His Holiness enjoys film made by Killarney man

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By Michelle Crean

A local man, who was Assistant Director on a new film, was delighted to see it premiered at the Vatican in Rome after it was presented to Pope Francis.

FILM PREMIERE: Ciaran McCarthy (second from right) from Killarney worked on the EWTN Film Docudrama ‘Speak of the Devil' which was screened in the Pope's private cinema.

Ciaran McCarthy from Killarney worked on the EWTN Film Docudrama ‘Speak of the Devil' a Viking re-enactment of the biblical Prodigal Son story focusing on the age-old battle between good and evil, and features the services of around 50 actors, crew and support staff in a film shoot lasting several weeks.

It was filmed in Ireland and the United States, and was screened in the Pope’s private cinema in the Vatican, and presented to his Holiness Pope Francis.

The film offers a unique take on the parable of the prodigal son, and explores how people can use prayer and belief to help deal with the challenges of everyday life. The plot is recast in a medieval setting where the father patiently allows his son to make his own choices, but also awaits him with open arms and unconditional love when he comes back home.

This Irish docudrama presents the celebrated parable in a whole new light because the cinematic retelling, interwoven with insightful interviews, teaches the importance of being “battle-ready” in the spiritual struggles we all face each day.

“It was a real buzz working on this Viking theme production re-enacting the parable of the Prodigal Son, and it’s just amazing that – after all our hard work – it has been screened in in the Vatican’s private Filmoteca Cinema," Ciaran said.

The production re-enactments were filmed on location at the former Ulster History Park at Omagh, County Tyrone. It features 25 crew and 25 cast all recruited in Ireland. Filming took place in May 2021, due to the ongoing pandemic all cast and crew had to be tested for COVID every day which added much pressure to the filming as one positive result could have meant complete shutdown.

“That presented considerable challenges and tested our own resilience and strength of spirit during the making of the film," Producer Aidan Gallagher explained.

EWTN Ireland’s previous two productions directed by Campbell Miller were aired on SKY, Virgin Media, Amazon Prime and worldwide on the global EWTN network.

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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