New documentary shines a light on history of lighthouse
Eamonn Colfer shooting footage for his film at Hook Head.
Wednesday March 17 2010
A SILENT Wexford landmark that has stood sentry for almost 800 years, is the star of a new short film.
The official documentary of Hook Lighthouse, directed by film-maker Eamonn Colfer, will be launched this coming Friday night in the Hook Tower by John Kidney, chairman of the Commissioners of Irish Lights.
The half-hour film called 'Hook Tower – The Story of a Lighthouse' spans 1500 years, from the time St. Dubhán made a pilgrimage to the area in search of solitude in the sixth century.
Local legend tells how his followers, horrified by the recurring sight of drowning sailors, lit the first beacon.
Early in the 13th century, William Marshall, a key political figure of the day had the tower constructed on the same site, as a navigational aid to ships carrying precious cargo to and from his fledgling port of New Ross.
The tower has been a protective presence at the Hook for almost 800 years.
It has been constant and consistent but it has also changed – from coal to electricity, from manned operation to automation, from the silence of monks to the sounds of a busy tourist destination.
The documentary is narrated by Eamonn's father, the historian Dr. Billy, author of ' The Hook Peninsula' which was described by John Banville as the defintive history of the area.
It includes extensive interviews, archival footage and dramatisations of key moments in the evolution of the tower which enhance the telling of the story of this iconic structure.
The film was funded by Wexford County Council and the Heritage Council.
A previous documentary by Colfer entitled 'Phil Murphy -–The Ballygow Man' about the legendary Bannow harmonica player, has been short-listed for screening at the London Independent Film Festival.
His production company, Hook Movies, is currently gearing up for a third documentary, also part-funded by the Heritage Council and due for release later this year, about the history of the lace making school that flourished in New Ross in the nineteenth century.
All are welcome to attend the launch of 'Hook Tower' which will start at 8 p.m.
