Castlemaine Events Committee had the pleasure of welcoming RTE’s television cameras along with presenters Pat Shortt, Mike Hanrahan and a guest appearance by Billy Keane to the village on Sunday last, June 11th.
Producers Brian Reddin and Rossa O’Sioradain were also in attendance alongside camera crew and sound engineers.
RTE is currently recording a new music series for RTE One Television which will be aired over the coming September and October.
Home to Jack Duggan
Castlemaine village was chosen as one of the locations for the new series by the national broadcaster due to it being famously known as the home of the Wild Colonial Boy, Jack Duggan. RTE had particular interest in the song, history behind it and of course the monument which was erected in 2019 by the Castlemaine Events Committee with the support of the wider local community.
The Wild Colonial Boy song itself was recorded in Griffin’s Bar & Restaurant, Castlemaine and it was sung by one of Ireland’s rising stars on the music scene, Kerry native Lorraine Nash who is a very talented singer and songwriter. After the song, Lorraine was interviewed and spoke about her career to date.
History and Story of Jack Duggan
Teachta Dála Brendan Griffin also spoke to RTE and in doing so was tasked with explaining the history and story of Jack Duggan.
The cameras filmed the picturesque village of Castlemaine which included scenes at the Jack Duggan monument, Jack Duggan’s Bar and the quay beside the River Maine amongst other locations throughout the morning and afternoon time.
“There was plenty of excitement around the locality in the lead up to RTE visiting and all here are looking forward to seeing Castlemaine showcased on national television in the coming months, a great boost for the local area indeed,” said Castlemaine Events Committee PRO Dara O’Connor.
So Many to Thank
“Castlemaine Events Committee would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you in particular to our local residents and the business community in Castlemaine who made such a fantastic effort to ensure the village and its surrounds were looking splendid ahead of the filming at the weekend.
“Grateful appreciation is also due to Helen, Frank and all the team at Griffin’s Bar and Restaurant, Castlemaine for the use of their premises for the filming and the warm display of hospitality,” said Dara.
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