Stunning film depicts the story of the Franciscan Friars in Clonmel

A stunning documentary film depicting the story of the Franciscan Friars in Clonmel was shown over the weekend as part of the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival.

The documentary film was made by Grange man Michael Hughes of Clingfilm Productions.

The film captures the gratitude of the people of Clonmel for the service given to the town by the Franciscan Friars.

It also reflects the great sense of loss in the town following their departure in January after over 750 years.

“The idea for the film came about following the announcement last year that the Friars were departing Clonmel due to an aging population and decline in vocations. In January 2023 I filmed their final mass and was privileged to interview Fr Billy Hoyne, OFM before the Friars departed. I was also welcomed openly into the lives of the Franciscan order of the Noviciate in Killarney which provided a personal insight into the life of a novice as narrated by Fr Billy in the film. Fortunately, with funding, I was able to expand on the initial idea and develop it into a documentary film. The film was a privilege to make and is a testament to the devotion of the Franciscan Order and the contributors without whom the film was not possible,” said Michael Hughes.

He welcomed the news that the Friary has been taken over by the diocese and will remain open as a house of prayer with weekly mass each Tuesday.

The film was funded by the Creative Arts Program and Tipperary County Council and showcased in the Friary to a captive audience.

The documentary film was well received by those who attended the screenings on the hour on Saturday afternoon in the Friary in Clonmel.