Rising of the Moon, The

The first of the three stories ‘The Majesty Of The Law’ opens with a shot of O’Brien’s Tower on the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.

Panning left, but to fade then settle on the bay below the Cliffs of Moher looking south west, behind the over all film’s title.

A further fade shows the title of the three stories within the film agains the backdrop of Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard, Co. Galway where much of the action will take place.

The listing of some of those appearing in the film fronts a shot of Adare Franciscan Friary, Co. Limerick also known as ‘The Poor Abbey’.

A cut and left hand pan settles on the St. Patrick's Rock of Cashel, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, fronted by further listings. View from its South Western corner.

A view of O’Connell Bridge, Dublin looking towards Eden Quay.

Pat Cleary was obliged to capture this shot from ground level. A very busy crossing. Completed in 1965, Liberty Hall dominates the skyline

The camera pans further left to settle on a view of O’Connell Street.

From ground level by Pat. Tree-lined O'Connell Street is now a much prettier sight.

Before cutting to what looks like a genuine doorway and Tyrone Power opening the door to greet us and introduce himself. He tells us that he is an actor and of Irish descent. It looks like No 10, but of which street/road? in Dublin

He talks of being involved in the making a film in Ireland, and the scene cuts to Aughnanure Castle, Oughterard, Co. Galway. We are to hear a tale after one of Ireland’s leading storytellers, Frank O’Connell, it is called ‘The Majesty of the Law’.

The story we are told, is about nothing, and yet, perhaps about everything. Another angle of Aughnanure Castle.

“Let us take a look at the police barracks at Balena Loch”. Paschal Newell tells us that this is the Ordnance Ground and Barracks at Oughterard, providing a map and comparative location shots to support.

Despite all the redevelopment Paschal is able to show that the stone pillars that were beside the entrance to the Barracks remain.

“For although we are a very peace-loving people”. “We still have police barracks”. Here we see Sean greet the Inspector (Cyril Cusack) and asking him if he wants his car.

In this shot from Paschal, he brings to our attention that the wall in the background, left, also appears in Capture 28.

He has decided to walk to town. Paschal believes that Owenriff River Park, Oughterard is the most likely location.

Paschal provides this shot of 'the most likely location'.

On reaching the Drimneen River the Inspector crosses it by using a very conveniently moored boat. Aughnanure Castle in the background.

As Paschal says, "A bit overgrown in the last few years".

He continues his journey……….

………… unaware that he is being watched by villagers who hastily try to avoid being seen. The grounds of Aughnanure Castle.

The foreground wall in the screen capture is, Paschal says, now private, but he still managed this shot from within the castle walls.

The villager Mickey J (Jack MacGowran) tries to destroy the evidence that he is making ‘moonshine’ in a National Monument. The grounds of Aughnanure Castle.

As there was no 'shot' of 'moonshine' for Paschal he took this shot with his camera.

The Inspector looks down to the cottage. Uncertain as to whether this is anywhere near the Castle, or is indeed genuine, but what is that tall structure on the skyline?

Whilst still on private property Paschal was able to take this picture, looking from the castle, of how those properties look today.

Dan O’Flaherty (Noel Purcell) leaves his cottage…….

The required closer view from Paschal.

…..and sees Inspector Dillon approaching, they greet each other and return to the cottage.

Mickey J arrives at the door and interrupts their discussion on the importance of making ‘Moonshine’ and its various secret methods. Aughnanure Castle in the background, if a genuine background.

Having been joined by the other villagers a discussion followed on the topic of Phelim O’Feeney who it appeared had sustained injuries sufficient to attend hospital, by the hand of Dan whom the Inspector had called to arrest. It was agreed that it would be convenient for him to attend prison on Friday after dinner. And so on Friday after his meal Dan says ‘goodbye’ to his cottage.

And beneath the shade of the tower, that his people had built centuries before him, he ‘took leave of his kinsmen and neighbours’. Aughnanure Castle, in the background.

The now well maintained castle and grounds captured by Paschal.

But immediately Phelim arrives waiving the fine that had been imposed on Dan that in any event he had had no intention of paying.

Dan refuses the payment and marches off to prison. Aughnanure Castle, in the background.

Paschal was not hindered by other visitors.

Where the prison warders wait. Paschal Newell tells us that this is now lower Camp Street, Oughterard, part of an housing estate.

In this comparative shot Paschal tells us that the low wall mid photo, 'Owenriff Park', is the original gate entrance.

As does Inspector Dillon, as he said he would. See previous capture.

A reverse point of view of the previous capture, once again shows the low wall that all remains of the entrance to the barracks. Paschal Newell

Together they walk off to the cells, with Dan’s principle’s in tact. See Capture 26. Now Owenrif Park.

The housing estate that now replaces the old Barracks buildings. That's progress Paschal!

Tyrone Power introduces us to the second part of the trilogy, ‘A Minutes Wait’ by saying that “…nothing much happens on railroads.” So we ‘board’ the film’s Ballycran and Dunphy Railway. Actually, the 3’ narrow-gauge West Clare Railway, County Clare. We appear to be looking out to Poulnasherry Bay.

We see the train slow for the gates at a level crossing to be opened. Evidence would suggest that this is Moyasta, County Clare where today stands ‘The Railway Cottage’ and perhaps a crossing post and telegraph post of the time.

The train arrives at the film’s ‘Dunfaill’ station. Included for the sake of the engine detail, changed for the purposes of filming. Further information of which can be read at https://railwaymoviedatabase.com/the-rising-of-the-moon/

The detail has been carefully retained by the current owners.

It draws to a halt for “Just one Minutes wait” in what is actually Kilkee Station, Circular Road, Dough, Kilkee, Co. Clare. Now a private residence.

Achieving the road level must have been quite an undertaking.

Besides having to load Tom Dolan’s goat aboard and other social needs, each delaying departure for “Just one minute”, the ‘Harley Band’s’ bus has broken down and they are on their way, so hold the train!

Whilst ‘partying’ and events continue to delay the trains departure Colonel Frobisher (Michael Trubshawe) and his wife (Anita Sharp Bolster) are shown to a ‘quiet spot’ by porter Paddy Morrisey (Jimmy O’Dea), to enjoy a cup of tea. Supposedly leading them to the station frontage and a table at the side looking south, this is actually the east side of the station looking north. The doorway has since been bricked up. The background terrace in Circular Road remains.

Finally the train departs…………but without the Frobisher’s!

A drastic transformation, except for the station building.

Who watch it disappear into the distance.

The view east down the River Liffey from Seán Heuston Bridge which now carries the Luas Red Line trams over the Liffey with other road traffic going over Sherwin Bridge. The Frank Sherwin Bridge was built in the 80's only about 40 yards further to the East. With thanks to Pat Cleary for detail of the location.

Pat captures the same view now with added traffic signal, revised lamp and as he points out, the dome of the Four Courts building can be seen in the distance.

Dublin where Tyrone Power introduces the third film, here called ‘1921’ but inspired by Lady Gregory’s one-act play entitled ‘The Rising of the Moon’, taken from the traditional revolutionary song of the same name. Looking across the River Liffey to Inns Quay and the dominant building of 'Four Courts', that is also seen in 'Tim Driscoll's Donkey'.

From Pat's shot it is clear that the seemingly never-ending refurbishment continues.

The main character associated with this film Sean Curran aka Jimmy Walsh (Donal Donnelly) is introduced to us via the display of a ‘Wanted’ poster. Likely to be Limerick dock with the Dock Clock tower in the background.

The film cuts to a view of the River Shannon bordered on the left by King John’s Castle aka Limerick Castle, Limerick.

A thank you to Paschal Newell for giving so much of his time in Limerick to covering all the shots required for this film. As he says, only the background has been modernised.

Then panning past further walls of the Castle to Castle Street and the towns folk……

Paschal saw no reason to lean as he turned the corner.

……..who are all quietly filing in an orderly procession whilst reciting rosary prayer….

The railings appear to have been replaced by a rather limited security fence in this shot from Paschal.

…..in connection with the forthcoming hanging of Sean Curran. Believed to be inside King John’s Castle, see Capture 50

Whilst prisoner Sean Curran (Donal Donnelly) prays in his cell, the militia outside stand to attention. Castle Street, Limerick looking east.

Paschal was disappointed that he didn't warrant an armed guard.

It would seem that the whole Town has turned out. King John’s Castle and Castle Street, Limerick looking east.

Cars replaced people when Paschal was there, fortunately not in equal number.

A close up of members of the crowd and specifically an elderly lady in prayer who is about to be told to move on. No 8 Castle Street, the gate to St. Munchin’s Church and the entrance to what is now the 'North Munster Masonic Centre'.

Paschal found that No.8 of the terrace and the gate of St Munchin’s Church still remains, but the wall of Masonic Centre has gone.

We are shown the time of day. The Dock Clock, Steamboat Quay, Dock Road, Limerick. County Limerick.

Whilst Paschal likes accuracy he wasn't prepared to wait 40 mins.

The procession continues to flow as a carriage draws up and 'Sister' Matthias (Doreen Madden) and 'Sister' Mary Therese (Maureen Cusack), Sean Curran’s 'sister', emerge to visit Sean in prison. Nos 7 and 8 Castle Street in the background. If the foreground railings existed at the time they do not now.

Paschal was rewarded with a virtually clear view.

The 'sisters' are escorted up the stairs into the Castle.

I think Paschal would have been put off shooting this capture had the armaments still been there.

And into the prison area. Evidence would suggest that the door/archway are a RPV of that which they came through to enter the castle but the scaffold area and more conventional property behind certainly do not feature now.

Pacshal's shot, confirmed by the stonework also confirms that the scaffold area has indeed gone.

While the 'sisters' visit Sean Mrs O’Hara (Eileen Crowe) takes some lunch to police Sergeant Tom O’Hara (Denis O’Dea). Castle Street looking east with the Castle entrance off screen to the right.

As Paschal says, all mid capture houses have gone.

The 'sisters' leave the Castle as it is time for Sean’s execution. Castle Street looking east.

This close shot from Pascal keeps the Castle wall on right and reveals the new background buildings.

It is discovered that Sean has escaped in the carriage dressed as a nun. Paschal Newell has tracked this down to Buttermilk Walk (Lynches Alley in the 1900's) with Augustine Court, 15-17 Saint Augustine Street, Galway in the background. A former store/warehouse, the building was converted into apartments/flats circa 1990. The buildings to the left have all been re-developed but St. Augustine church remains to the right.

Paschal provides us with a shot of the same location now, showing how it has been revitalised.

The authorities work through the night to find Sean. Paschal Newell has identified this as Long Walk beside the Spanish Arch having found a book displaying a 'third party' shot of the event from the opposite side.

Having established the location Paschal felt compelled to see it as it is now, to find that the houses have been replaced by the Galway City museum.

The police tour the Town fixing posters showing that the reward for Sean Curran is now £500. Spanish Arch, The Long Walk, Galway, County Galway.

Perhaps a little more colourful now.

To the sound of a ships horn we see The Long Walk, Galway.

The tide comes in and the tide goes out, not much else changes.