In 2017 The Castle of the Island Society was established. The members include; Robert McGuire (Founder and Chairperson), Tom McCarthy, Maggie Keane, Denis Divane, Rita McCarthy, Charlie Daly, Eamon Breen and Eamon Fleming.
About the Documentary:
The upcoming documentary entitled “The Castle of the Island” will tell the captivating story of Castleisland Castle for the first time. It was researched and produced by Robert McGuire and it was filmed by Tralee native Paul Pearson of “Red Viper Films”.
Image: Camera man Paul Person of Red Viper Films in action.
The spectacular drone footage was recorded by “Octofly”, while the living history group “Claíomh” were hired to re-enact some key flashback scenes, in order to humanize the story. Furthermore, a range of specialists were interviewed.
Image: some of the Claíomh team, with Paul and Rob.
Castleisland Castle is associated with the Fitzgerald family. Consequently, the documentary primarily focuses on the rise and fall of the Fitzgerald’s, the earls of Desmond, also known as the Geraldines. The latter half of the film focuses on the turbulent life of the 14th earl of Desmond, Gerald Fitzgerald, it also examines the infamous Desmond Rebellion, which raged across Munster from 1579-1583.
The film also dwells into the plantation era, and the arrival of Sir William Herbert in Castleisland. Finally, the demise and abandonment of the castle during the 17th century is explored. Ultimately, the physical castle is examined and through animation a dramatic new digital reconstruction of the Desmond Castle will be presented for the first time. The documentary will be released in 2025.
Nationwide, RTE (February, 2018) Robert McGuire and Mary Kennedy