The Butts community hits the big time with movie launch - Kilkenny Live

The Butts and its many characters have been part of Kilkenny life for generations. Parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and many more descendants have walked through the front door, kicked a ball or shared a laugh in arguably Kilkenny City’s best known housing estate.

The community gathered en masse in the IMC Cinema for the screening of not just any old film, but to watch a production that has documented the social history of the area through the perspective of the local residents.

Produced by members of the community in association with the Kilkenny-Carlow ETB, months of filming and planning took in excess of 12 months to complete. So, as attendees took their seats, the excitement and nerves was palpable in the theatre.

The proceedings began with an opening address from Kay Brennan, former Butts resident, broadcaster and member of the production team, who thanked everyone involved including the local branch of the ETB and St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall for making their facility available.

"I am over the moon for all the people that took part," she said ahead of the screening.

"This is here for prosperity, forever and in the archives for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

Following the formalities, it was showtime! The first of the four-part series documented the history of the area. The story, told by John Brennan and Paddy Neary, covered a wide range of topics in an in-depth conversation. Among the subjects discussed was the history of Thomas' Square and St Canice's Cathedral and Tower and the Big Wind of 1836

The two men went on to share nostalgic memories of the first TV that came to the parish in 1961, while the Butts wasn’t immune to the friendship and employment the former Smithwick’s Brewery provided, with Paddy Neary telling stories from his 41-year stint in the city business.

The interest in local history is enormous in the Butts community and their fascination in each individual story on the night was clear for all to see. 

However, it wasn’t all hard facts, with more than one giggle and giddy look shared over an event that lasted well over two hours.

The second episode of the series detailed some of the characters the Butts has produced down through the years - it’s fair to say 10 editions of the Kilkenny People couldn’t cover the vast array of stories. Meeting husbands, humorous confessions, large family units and youthful mishaps at Christmas Midnight Mass just some of the stories told.

The community is known for its many traits. some subtle while other talents and legendary figures are known up and down the country, nevermind Co Kilkenny. But, arguably the city locations greatest exports have come in the sports department.

The arrival of the community’s first snooker table, the exploits of famed handballer Michael 'Ducksie' Walsh in yesteryear and the sporting paths of the Clifford family in today’s sporting landscape were just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the volume of stories told, with passion and pride, with Michael Clifford stating when Butts people join together on the sporting fields, they become part of your family.

The final two episodes of the documentary continued on the theme of talent, this time in arts. A visit to John Brennan’s workshop was a treat for everyone in the theatre as he showcased some of his greatest pieces of woodwork.

The paintings of Jim Glennon and Sophie Harold as well as the sculptors of Jim Meaney left the room in awe as the message resonated that pieces of art that have been hailed on local, national and international levels have all come from this small Kilkenny principality.

Talent in the theatre was also honoured at the screening with Mike Kelly telling his story, beginning over 50 years ago with shows at the old Boys’ Club (now St Canice’s Hall).

Local filmmaker Gillian Grattan was at the heart of the process, guiding the group of movie makers.

"It’s all about community, you could hear from the audience they really enjoyed it," a blissful Grattan said.

Director of Services in the Fr McGrath Centre, Stephen Murphy, concluded by saying it was the 'most important' project he had ever overseen since taking over the role in the centre.