Laois actor returns to RTÉ for new gripping drama

Laois actor Robert Sheehan returns to the small screen in a new programme on RTÉ 2 this November.

'Did You Read About Erskine Fogarty?' starring Robert Sheehan will air on RTÉ2 on Thursday November 14^th.

A man who has lost everything drags his last possession, a double-wide American fridge freezer, back to his childhood home, to show his old neighbours what a big shot he is. The highly anticipated television adaptation of Blindboy's short story “Did You Read About Erskine Fogarty?” from his critically acclaimed first book “The Gospel According to Blindboy.”

Shot entirely on location in Limerick, the show stars Robert Sheehan in an unforgettable performance in the lead alongside Peter Coonan, Siobhan O’Kelly and a debut performance from Thomas O’Halloran. Written by Blindboy Boatclub, produced and directed by James Cotter for Connla’s Well Productions. Score by Blindboy Boatclub.

Pictured: Laois actor Robert Sheehan in Did You Read About Erskine Fogarty?

This episode is part of RTÉ and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland's new Storyland dramas which will air on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from tonight Thursday October 31st at 10:35pm.

Since its inception in 2009, Storyland has acted as a launch pad for Irish writing, directing, producing, and acting talent throughout Ireland to develop and further their careers. This is part of RTÉ’s ongoing strategy to increase its development in drama output, by investing in and supporting the Irish creative industry.

This strategy also supports the employment of hundreds of people across the industry, in order to bring more Irish drama series to television, and importantly to RTÉ Player where scripted series dominate viewing.

First up is SHUSH airing tonight on RTÉ2 at 10:35pm. Ruth’s love for baby Fia is undeniable. But under the strain of loneliness and a difficult domestic existence, Ruth impulsively makes a drastic decision to set off with the baby, without telling anyone.

Pictured: Shush - Ruth and baby Fia

SHUSH is a tense psychological thriller that asks how far we would go to keep our loved ones close, and who can we really trust. Starring and written by Liv O’Donoghue, produced by Jo Halpin for Charmer Pictures and directed by Jane Moriarty. Starring Mark Huberman in the role of John and twins Bella and Capri Neville in the role of baby Fia.

In I’m Yours, airing Thursday November 7^th Zo is a high-flying solicitor in Ireland’s top law firm, but she’s harbouring a secret: she’s engaged to a man she’s never met, who her Pakistani parents have picked. When Zo’s colleagues spot her engagement ring, her Pakistani and Irish identities collide.

Zo is vague on details but with decision-time fast approaching, Zo decides to break with tradition, and meet her fiancé before they get married. Will the man of her dreams live up to Zo's expectations... or will he be himself?

Pictured:  I'm Yours - Zo and Bilal

This fresh, funny drama is an exploration of modern romance, with the weight of inherited cultural tradition. I’m Yours is written by Diandra Xavier and directed by Laura O’Shea for Deadpan Pictures. Starring Jeffrin Jerome (Zo), Clara Harte (Oonagh), Trevor Kaneswaran (Bilal), Paul Tylak (Zo’s dad Ali) and Bharti Patel (Zo’s mum Fatima).

David Crean, Acting Head of Drama, RTÉ said: "It’s always so exciting to introduce a new series of Storyland dramas to audiences on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.  The joy of Storyland is being able to introduce new voices with original stories for television. We’re delighted to continue our work with our partners in Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland as we both ensure there is a pipeline for talent and new entrants into the drama sector."

Keith Potter, Head of Film at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said: "Screen Ireland congratulates all of the Storyland filmmaking teams as their films begin to air this week on RTÉ. Storyland is an invaluable opportunity for emerging Irish storytellers looking for their first step in television and we are delighted to once again join forces with RTÉ on this incredible initiative."

Following on from RTÉ's recent homegrown dramas including The Boy That Never Was, The Gone, Hidden Assets, Obituary and The Dry, which all embrace local storytelling at their core, the chosen three short dramas in Storyland feature stories that will resonate with Irish audiences and showcase an impressive standard of diverse and immense talent.