Documentary Series (In Development)

River Ilen

 

This 2 x 1 hour documentary series, is an evocative portrait of the majestical Ilen River in West Cork.  The river Ilen has been made famous internationally by the incredible Olympic success of the Skibbereen Rowing Club.  Throughout their lives, Olympic rowers like Paul and Gary O’Donovan, Fintan McCarthy and their coach Dominic Casey, have built up a unique relationship with their special river. This is where the impossible becomes possible. Since the club’s remarkable sporting success, many commentators have enquired as to ‘What is in that river? Because whatever it is, it’s creating magic!’. The River Ilen is at the heart of how Gold, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals have made their way to Skibbereen. Everything is connected. It goes back to the surrounding culture, to the oarsmen who used the same river, generations before them.

Told by the people who live on its banks, this poetic and visually stunning series for RTÉ, brings the viewer into that magical world  of the River Ilen.  From its source in the hills above the village of Drimoleague, through Skibbereen town, down to Baltimore and Sherkin Island, we follow the river from source to sea – as it makes its way into the Wild Atlantic.

A Curious Dog Films Production.

In development with RTÉ.

 

Photos © Charlie Lee (Dominic Casey)