Official Opening 2006
Official Opening by JOHN O’DONOGHUE
Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism
FEATURE FILM
West of Kerry 1936 - 45mins - B/W
On the Blasket Islands, Co. Kerry, in the 1930s, an islander tells a day-visiting outsider the story of the young lovers, Liam, Neal, and Eileen, who are at the centre of the tale. Neal, a Dubliner and a medical student, had moved to the Blaskets. Upon arrival, despite not understanding Irish, he makes himself useful by treating Liam, an injured fisherman. Eileen, Liam's fiancee, thanks Neal. Neal starts to court her, but he returns to Dublin when she rejects him. The following year, he hears Eileen sing on the radio, and returns to the Blaskets, vowing to become a fisherman. Eileen, in the meantime, has realised her love for Neal. Despite being challenged by the local priest, he remains there. While out fishing, Liam falls overboard and is saved from drowning by Neal. However, Liam is mortally injured. On his death-bed, he takes the hands of Neal and Eileen, thus blessing their future relationship.
Presented in association with the
IRISH FILM INSTITUTE