About the Cast
About the Filmmakers
Working with Kids
Speaking the Part
Film Production Notes

Ordinary Limerick children became stars for a few days when the filming of Angela's Ashes took place in Limerick.

The casting director, Ros Hubbard, came to Limerick looking for an initial 12 young people from 5 to 18 years to play varying roles in the film.

"We particularly want to meet children who look skinny, hungry or sick with faces full of character, interesting personalities and some acting ability", was how she put it.

Thousands of local children were auditioned for parts and one who got a big part was 15 year old Peter Halpin from Mungret.

Article: Limerick 'loses' film
Article: Down Your Street

Be more movie friendly

Frank McCourt has called for Limerick to be more movie friendly. "Why not have film studies, movie makers, facilities and grants in the Mid-West. Don't let it all go to Dublin", he said.

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An Extra's Tale

The rain came down, 'another take!'
We said again as our hearts did break.
We're drenched right through in this movie biz,
But it won't dampen our natural fizz.

Come down the steps and say goodbye
For the sixth time running, a tear in eye.
The poet said parting is a sweet sorrow,
But will we last until tomorrow?

We had our fun through song and joke
And laughed at others to whome we spoke.
Our clothes got heavier as time went past
As through the puddles we merrily splashed.

We watched the action, the telegram lads
On their bikes so old, great fun they had
The rain machine , it soaked us more
And saturated to every pore.

The donkey, the horses all played their part
Old buses, old cars never failed to start.
Director's calls came through the rain:
"Come on now lads, let's do it again!"

At long last time was called at six
And that was the end of our movie kicks.
We then trudged wearily to get dry gear
And a well deserved great pint of beer.

So now we'll wait 'till 'Ashes' comes out.
Will we be seen? we have our doubt.
Still it was fun, an experience.
Would we do it again? yes, we have no sense!
John Johnson