Talented Falcarragh filmmaker and photographer flying the flag for Irish language

Rachael Sharkey was conferred with a BA Hons in Photography with New Media from Munster Technological University at the Autumn 2024 Cork Campus Conferrings marking a significant milestone in her academic and creative journey.

A talented Irish language filmmaker and photographer from Falcarragh, throughout her four years in the BA (Hons) in Photography with New Media programme at MTU’s Crawford College of Art and Design, Rachael not only developed her skills in photography and filmmaking but also made a commitment to producing her projects through the Irish language.

Hailing from a Gaeltacht region, she emphasised the importance of integrating her native language into her studies, inspiring her peers and fostering a vibrant community at MTU.

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In her final year at MTU, Rachael founded the MTU Cumann Gaelach, a platform dedicated to promoting the Irish language among students. Rachael’s initiatives received extensive support from MTU, which reinforced her belief in the importance of cultural heritage and community engagement.

Rachael, who graduated from her MTU course with First Class Honours, said: “Bhí an t-ádh dearg orm na deiseanna speisialta seo a thapú le linn mo chuid ama i MTU. Tá mé iontach buíocha don tacaíocht a bhfuair mé le mo chuid spriocanna a bhaint amach san Ollscoil”.

“Studying at MTU has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow, both as a person and an artist. My lecturers were incredibly supportive of my dream to become an Irish language filmmaker.”

Rachael’s passion culminated in her documentary Jimmie Jennie, a 12-minute film dedicated to her grand uncle, Jimmie Jennie Ó Dubhcháin, who hails from Oileán Thoraigh (Tory Island). The film chronicles Jimmie’s remarkable life and the challenges he faced after losing his eyesight.

“It was important to me to showcase how special Tory Island is and highlight Jimmie’s incredible strength and positivity,” Rachael said.

Rachael has been recognised for her outstanding contributions, receiving four awards for her work, including the Individual Award from MTU Societies and two awards from Conradh Na Gaeilge for her efforts in promoting the Irish language on campus. Additionally, she was honoured with the MTU SU Council award for her role as class representative and the MTU Arts Office STEAM Exhibition Award for her Irish language film Jimmie Jennie. The film was also selected for the IndieCork Film Festival Artist Film programme.

“I was absolutely honoured to win the STEAM award,” Rachael said. “It has provided me with a platform to share Jimmie’s story with a wider audience, and I am incredibly grateful for the recognition from the MTU Arts Office.”

Sarah Morey, MTU Arts Officer, said: “Comhghairdeas mhór le Rachael, agus go n-eirí an bóthar léi sa todhchaí. Rachael is an exciting early career film maker bringing a deep understanding of her language, community and place into her work and using the technologies of film to share powerful stories. We wish her every success and are delighted that her film Jimmie Jennie will be shown as part of Sense, the MTU Arts Office STEAM Award group exhibition which will run in the MTU James Barry Exhibition Centre from 11 November – 3 December, with more details on arts.mtu.ie”.

Family members are equally proud of Rachael’s achievements. John Doohan, Jimmie’s brother and voiceover artist for the film, said: “We are all delighted with Rachael’s documentary and Jimmie’s story. Tory Island is a small tight-knit community, and both Jimmie and Rachael made the whole island proud with their film.”

Since graduating, Rachael has begun working with Bánú Media, an Irish language production company based in the Gaeltacht of Donegal, where she continues to develop her craft as an early-career artist.