Aughagower film producer pays tribute to the late Glen Hansard
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Martina Niland spoke of her sadness at Hansard's passing and reflected on the experience of making Once together.
Tributes continue to pour in following the death of Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who died in a motorcycle crash in Lucan, Dublin.
Film producer Martina Niland, a native of Aughagower, Mayo, produced the critically acclaimed low-budget independent musical Once, which starred Hansard in the lead role of Guy.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Niland spoke of her sadness at Hansard's passing and reflected on the experience of making Once together.
“We set about making the film over three weeks on a very small budget around the city of Dublin.
“We knew it was special, but we didn't know exactly what we had. Musicals weren't really being made at that time, so we were just keeping our fingers crossed,” she said.
“It was such a special time in my life and a time I'll never forget. It was so lovely working with Glenn and getting to know him,” she added.
Niland also remembered Hansard as a genuinely kind and grounded person.
“I remember him at that time as being very kind, very open, honest, down to earth, just a good guy, a nice guy, funny and fun to be around. No airs and graces - just down to earth,” she said.
She concluded by extending her sympathies to his loved ones.
“I just think about his family – his wife, his young son, his siblings – and send my condolences to all of them,” she said.