This is a community-based project produced by Fingal Old IRA Commemorative Society 1916-1921 and is capturing the history of Fingal during the War of Independence.
On Sunday next we will film the funerals of Sean Gibbons and Seamus Lawless. The two Balbriggan natives who were killed during the “Sack” We are inviting you to join with us in capturing a recreation of the funeral on film. We will have two horse drawn hearses on the day and the edited film will show the hearses leave St Peter and St Paul’s church in Balbriggan and make its way to Balscadden the site of the burials of these two men.
The proposed sequence of these shots currently takes account of the mass in Balbriggan at 3.30pm. This requires us to film the scenes out of sequence this will be corrected at editing stage. By commencing in Balscadden this allows for that congregation to disperse before we commence filming in the church grounds in Balbriggan.
At Balscadden we will also film at 3.30pm. The shooting of Sergeant Finnerty which took place some months earlier during the “Parade to Clonard Hill.
This Parade celebrated the release of prisoners from Mountjoy.
Dress code Dark. Men Granda shirt (Turn collar in) Please ensure that no watches etc are worn the period is 1920 Soft hats or caps welcomed.
Regroup to follow the hearses on the last stage of the journey to the Church graveyard.
At Balscadden at 4.30 we will film “The Burial of Seán Gibbons and Séamus Lawless”. This is more formal occasion and men wear collar and tie. Women in dress appropriate to 1920. Dark calf length skirts. Head covered Hats, Scarfs etc Please remove all watches ring earrings etc.
Some footage of the cortege on a rural road representing the walk to Balbriggan from Balscadden will be captured.
Map shows current proposed route of the Cortege returning to Balbriggan.
Some may opt to walk the route back to Balbriggan others may opt to join of a small section of the journey. We suggest that these join the cortege at the point indicated on the map below, walk a short distance and then return to their cars and proceed to the church.
Assembly point X for those rejoining cortege for the walking scene
At Balbriggan Church the removal for burial of Seán Gibbons and Séamus Lawless at 6.30pm
While we would like large numbers at each of these shoots, we appriciate that the time span may not suit all. Those wishing to take part in all or any segment will be very welcome. We are looking for a mix of male and females across the age span to make up the cortege and those attending the “Parade to Clonard Hill”
As with all group scenes a general verbal direction will be provided to the extras. With filming, the essence of the scene may not be fully captured in one take, so the cast need to be prepared to have patience.
On a “CUT” extras are asked to hold their actual positions to facilitate continuity when the shot recommences.
Our last film “Who Shot Sergeant Kirwan?” has proven successful on the Independent Film Festival circuit here in Ireland the UK, France and the U.S.A. It is available free to view on YouTube.
Please join us in reimagining this important moment of Balbriggan History.
https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/event/sack-of-balbriggan/