Online soap opera aims to clean up

IT IS a story about the second coming of St Patrick, which premieres in Westport tomorrow night.

IT IS a story about the second coming of St Patrick, which premieres in Westport tomorrow night.

The first episode of online soap opera Coviesopens with a naked man on a beach who does not know his own name but who is drawn to Croagh Patrick.

Producer Len Collin believes that Covies is the first of its kind to be shot in Ireland.

Like all good soaps, it has subplots. Waiting in the wings is Fr Leonard, who is unhappy with the interloper patron saint.

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Neither is gambling, drinking womaniser Vinnie O’Malley, who is prone to violent outbursts, particularly against his wife, Bridie.

According to Collin, who worked as a scriptwriter for Eastenders, the Bill, Ultimate Force, as well as for the RTÉ drama Single Handed, Coviesis the first attempt in Ireland at producing a soap opera that will only be available online.

After Sunday's premiere, the first episode of Coviesgoes live online on Monday night at 9pm. It can be watched at www.covies.com

The soap opera was made on a low budget and with co-operation from local businesses and the community in Westport.

Many of the stars of Coviesare from the local amateur drama group, as well as from the wider community.

They provided their services for free, and many local businesses offered voluntary support and free services during the making of the series last autumn.

Áine Ryan

Áine Ryan is a contributor to The Irish Times