Fermanagh Country - No. 33

This historic and unique documentary which was the winner of the Bronze Harp, captures a rural lifestyle no longer found in Ireland. It tells the story of the Mulholland family from Co. Fermanagh, and records their traditional lifestyle and methods of farming, quarrying, and making circular grinding wheels and whetstones for sharpening scythes. It gives a glimpse into the lives of these hardworking Fermanagh men and women who carry on their rural practices seemingly oblivious to modern methods.     Made in 1980.

Commentary- Benedict Kiely; Music- Michéal Ó Súilleabháin     Running time - 26 minutes

Stoneground - No. 34

Martry Mill, owned by the Tallon family, was established near Kells Co. Meath in 1659 on the River Blackwater. This atmospheric film shows the age-old process of milling grain into flour, using the power of water and traditional stoneground milling techniques. James Tallon and his uncle Michael, produce the finest traditionally stoneground products. We learn how the mill grinds the grain and how it is also used to drive agricultural machinery. The film documents the work of traditional millers aware of their heritage, now lost to more efficient methods.     Made in 1978.

Commentary- Andy O’Mahony; Music- Michéal Ó Súilleabháin;     Running time - 26 minutes

A Dublin Candlemaker - No. 35

William Rathborne and Co.Wax-chandlers, is the oldest company in Ireland, established in 1488. They follow an ancient tradition of making beeswax, wick-dipped church candles. They also produce household and other candles from parafin wax using vertical frame moulds. They also hand pour candles for special occasions, some so large, they take three men to carry them! The firm is still in business today.     Made in 1982.

Commentary- Éamonn Mac Thomáis; Music- Jolyon Jackson; Paddy Glacken & Matt Molloy; 
Running time - 26 minutes

Of Bees & Bee Skeps - No. 36

Winner of the *Golden Harp for Ireland, and held in the Museum of Modern Art collection, New York, this arresting and moving documentary records Jack Carey of Clonakilty, Co. Cork making a traditional bee skep from wheaten straw and blackberry briars. Helped by neighbours, he catches the swarming bees in the skep before gradually introducing them into their new hive. It shows the traditional work of beekeeping, including the harvesting of the honey combs and extracting the golden honey. *Indicates special film award.     Made in 1983.

Commentary- Diarmuid Ó Muirithe; Music- Vincent Killduff;     Running time - 26 minutes

Lighthouse Crafts - No. 37

This unique program, filmed in 1989, captures the closing years of the Irish Lighthouse Keeper’s way of life, before Ireland's lighthouses became fully automatic. From the remote and stunning landscapes of the Fastnet Rock, Slyne Head, Ballycotton, Wicklow Head, & the Copeland Islands, we see the traditional making of a ship in a bottle, and the work of painters, poets and chefs. The documentary's mouth organ music was recorded by John Murphy, the Larne lighthouse keeper.

Commentary- Dick Warner; Music- John Murphy (mouth organ);     Running time - 26 minutes