A new film exploring what it means to be Irish and featuring Mullingar musician Niall Horan is set for release this week. Described as a “love letter to everything great and Irish” the cast of “Quintessentially Irish” includes Jeremy Irons, Sinead Cusack, Bob Geldof, Andrew Scott, Prince Albert of Monaco, President Michael D Higgins, Joe Biden, Niall Horan and Rory Guinness among others.
In the film Director Frank Mannion looks at the influence of the Irish diaspora with exclusive access to the White House, designed by Kilkenny architect James Hoban, and the Palace of Monaco where Prince Albert II discusses his mother Grace Kelly’s Irish heritage.
A segment of the film features Niall Horan’s visit to the White House for last year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Director Frank Mannion explains how the day unfolded.
“We were granted exclusive access to film the Shamrock Ceremony at the White House and after a couple of heartfelt speeches from the Taoiseach and President Biden, Niall Horan emerged unto the stage and enchanted the audience with renditions of some of his hits including a rousing performance of Spancil Hill.
“He rocked the White House with his greatest hit This Town which in his introduction he described as being about Mullingar, saying that it was an ‘emigration song about travelling the world and how I will always have my home town of Mullingar to come back to”.
Westmeath connection
A native of Carlow, Director Frank Mannion has Westmeath connection, with aunt and uncle, Agnes and Peter Masterson formerly of Corrydonlon, Rathowen. “I have fond memories of Westmeath.” he concluded.
“Quintessentially Irish” will be released in Ireland on 29 April and will be playing in Pierce Brosnan’s home town of Navan at the Solstice Arts Theatre on 29 April and 9 May.
