Former Wexford hurling captain to feature in new film documentary IMMRÁM exploring Irish cultural revival movement
- CultureHead Staff
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The former Wexford hurling captain Diarmuid Lyng and his partner, Siobhán de Paor, are at the centre of a growing movement aiming to revive Irish language and culture.
Former Wexford hurling captain Diarmuid Lyng and his partner, spoken word artist Siobhán de Paor, are the subjects of a new documentary, IMMRÁM, that will premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday, July 12th.
Following the teachings of philosopher and mystic John Moriarty, the couple are leading a growing movement that aims to reclaim indigenous Irish identity, customs, religion, and language. The charismatic duo are creating a community by running popular retreats featuring cultural skills, sweat lodges, "wild hurling", ritual and Irish language poetry. Following a fundraising campaign, the couple are currently establishing a cultural centre for the movement in County Kilkenny.
The documentary follows the Lyng family and their circle of friends as they embark on a ten-day pilgrimage across the south of Ireland. It meets them at their home in Co. Kilkenny, at gatherings and rituals, offering poignant insights into their beliefs.
IMMRÁM is produced by Fierce Quiet Films and directed by Mieke Vanmechelen and Michael Holly. Speaking ahead of the premiere, Vanmechelen invited audiences to come and be inspired:
“Immrám is an immersive, experimental documentary, more of a sensorial journey than a traditional narrative. We recognised Diarmuid and Siobhán’s open-mindedness, thoughtfulness, and engagement in a broader cultural dialogue, which makes them fascinating subjects. In a post-Catholic, neo-liberal Ireland, they are working to establish new cultural and spiritual connections that resonate with nature. I believe that viewers will find their journey truly inspiring.”
The couple follow the teachings of the enigmatic philosopher and mystic John Moriarty (1938 - 2007) who is always present in the documentary explains director Michael Holly:
“Footage and interviews with the Lyng family are juxtaposed with archival television footage of John Moriarty. Moriarty wanted to reconnect with his wild nature to decivilise himself by living a life in communion with the rhythms of nature and engaging with the profundities of mystical philosophies from around the world. Viewers will encounter poetic visuals, personal moments of ritual and contemplation, and a meaningful exploration of Irish culture, ecology, and spirituality, all accompanied by a beautiful musical score composed by Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh.”
Fierce Quiet Films is an independent production company founded in 2021 by Belgian-Irish filmmaker Mieke Vanmechelen. Based in southwest Ireland, the company creates documentaries that explore the social fabric of Irish life, both past and present, through a distinctive cinematic lens.
The subjects of Immrám, Diarmuid Lyng, and Siobhán de Paor are currently establishing a cultural centre for the movement in County Kilkenny. Lyng was a member of the Wexford senior inter-county hurling team, In 2009 he was appointed Wexford captain.
IMMRÁM by Fierce Quiet Films will premiere at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh on Saturday, July 12th, with other screening dates across the country to be announced. Runtime: 90 minutes. Supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
For further information see: galwayfilmfleadh.com
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