THE stars were Irish. The big movies were Irish. If one needed evidence of a dynamic new film industry in Ireland, Galway Film Fleadh readily provided it. Six night Six Irish premieres of note. A series of new Irish shorts, home produced documentaries and the screening of the first programmes scheduled for TnaG.
Michael D certainly could not hide his delight at being back in the heart of his bailiwick and at an informal gathering of "like minded people with an interest in cinema". The smile is broadest when he is among his own people, whether they be Galwegians, artists or film makers. All three categories were well represented at the opening party as 500 people crammed into Galway "Rowing Club.
The chairwoman of the Irish Film Board, Lelia Doolan, and Miriam Allen, were saluted for their "many years of excellent achievement in organising the Fleadh up to last year and in putting the city of Galway.on the national and international film map". The new cadre of Fleadh administrators, programme director Anthony Sellers with red rose, and festival manager Julia Roddy with pink, oozed aplomb, suggesting that the takeover was smooth.
