This year the much-loved Irish classic, Into the West, celebrates its 30th anniversary. A defining film of a defining era of Irish cinema, the award-winning family adventure follows young Mincéirí Tito (Rúaidhrí Conroy) and Ossie (Ciarán Fitzgerald), on their runaway journey to hold onto their mythical horse Tír na nÓg, and fulfil their dreams of becoming cowboys.

Mature themes and a star Irish cast – Gabriel Byrne, David Reilly, Colm Meaney, Brendan Gleeson (this is the only time they all appear together in the same film) – as well as Byrne’s then Hollywood partner Ellen Barkin, ensured the film was a draw for adult audiences, but it was pure wish fulfilment for a generation of young Irish viewers. An annual staple on Irish television screens through the 90s and early 00s, Into the West represented that rare occasion where Irish children – and in particular, Irish Travellers – could see themselves on-screen in a film. Running away from home on a horse, camping under the stars, and spending the night in a cinema… the dream!

In the intervening years, that audience will have left such simple dreams behind. And, perhaps, such notions as mythical Ireland. And so, an opportunity presents itself, on the occasion of its 30th year, to revisit Tir na nÓg and return… Into the West!

The Fleadh presents a big-screen presentation of Into the West, followed by a conversation with scriptwriter Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, The Field, In America), director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco), and cast & crew, moderated by Dr. Tony Tracy (Huston Film School).

Director: Mike Newell
Writers: Jim Sheirdan & David Keating
Producers: Jonathan Cavendish & Tim Palmer
Cast: Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin, Ciarán Fitzgerald, Rúaidhrí Conroy, David Kelly, Colm Meaney, John Cavanagh & Brendan Gleeson