Jim Sheridan guest of honour at The Field 25th Anniversary Festival

The Field 25th Anniverary Festival took place in Leenan last week (September 25th/26th).  There was a great crowd at the launch, which took place in the community centre.  A photographic exhibition by photographer Rod Tuach adonerd the walls, Rod was the set photographer on The Field.  The local community had also lent their precious images of the shoot and these too were on display, along with local paintings of characters from The Field.  One could really get a sense of how much The Field has meant to the community of Leenane.  There was a tremendous warm welcome for Director Jim Sheridan and his wife Fran.   Jim spoke with great affection about his time shooting in Leenane and the warmth of the community which was still evident today, he spoke of the difference in the community how it has grown and the loss the community has endured with some who were present during the filming no longer with us.  There was a truly lovely atmoshpere at the launch.

Jim Sheridan, Writer/Director, The Field (1990)

"Much of The Field was shot along the Galway Mayo border. I particularly remember that we shot the dramatic fight scene for The Field on location at Ashleigh Falls, Co. Mayo.  Bull Mc Cabe (Richard Harris) takes the life of The American (Tom Berenger) with the roaring falls as backdrop.   The energy of this Mayo location heightened the dramatic tension of the scene."

Pic: Director Jim Sheridan, Michael Ring TD, Orlagh Heverin Film Mayo.