Requiem for the Big House premieres in Ballymahon Community Library

Requiem for the Big House premieres in Ballymahon Community Library
A Decade of Centenaries project by Dr Charles Lambert and Ronan Daly of Kilglass House, Legan

Press Release
30 January 2023

Requiem for the Big House, a Decade of Centenaries documentary film, will premiere in Ballymahon Community Library on Wednesday, 8 February at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

The film is the work of Dr Charles Lambert and Ronan Daly of Kilglass House, Legan. It is commissioned by Longford Library, Heritage and Archives Services, part of Longford County Council.

Exploring the ‘Big Houses’ of Longford, the film looks at historically-important country estates of the Anglo-Irish landed class, focusing on such houses from the early years of the twentieth-century. Stories are told through interviews with historians and the relatives of both owners and workers. It is punctuated by images and archival footage.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern shared his enthusiasm for the project. “This is an important film, as it will shed new light on this part of our local history. Many people are familiar with the places which are the subject of this documentary, but many more people will learn new things about their area and County Longford. I encourage everyone to take time to see this important film and thank all involved for their time, talent and dedication in this work.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “Longford’s ‘Big Houses’, a major part of the Irish landscape and society, offer an avenue to explore our history, including looking more broadly at the period of the Irish Revolution. This documentary gives a new and balanced perspective. Longford County Council, through Longford Library, Heritage and Archives Services, is proud to support this work and see it brought in front of audiences.”

Dr Charles Lambert is delighted with the response and how the film came to be. “The Decade of Centenaries funding has provided a perfect opportunity to take stock of our history, and by taking a clearer look at the past, so we can understand where we are now. We are extremely lucky to have found so many important stories which, until now, have been previously untold. The generosity of the local community who came forward to contribute, combined with the leading academics in their field who have all given their time so selflessly, have made this film a pleasure to make and a feast of surprising facts and stories.”

For further information, including on further screenings and the film’s online release, check out Longfordlibrary.ie or follow Longford Library Services on social media.

ENDS

All media queries should be directed to the Longford County Council Communications Officer via mediaenquiries@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 4217.