Creative Minds Productions

MEN OF THE IRISH SEA

''One Hundred and fifty people from the community and as far as Northern Ireland, Came to St. Andrews Resource Centre on the first of February to attend the premiere of ''Men of The Irish Sea'' the eleventh film produced by ''Creative Minds Productions'' which charts the story of the one hundred and fifty Irish Seamen, Sixteen Vessels and Two Trawlers that were sadly lost during the Second World War (1939 - 1945) Each ship carried the flag of Eíre on its side which represented Ireland Neutrality during World War 2.  Countries including Ireland where entirely dependant on these ships and men to supply food and fuel, Which came from outside these Islands.  These heroes are commemorated every second last sunday of November with a mass held in City Quay Church.

The Film opened with image of the sixteen vessels and two trawlers that were sunk across different parts of the world during the emergency as the second world war was reffered to then.  Harry Callen, A sea merchant from Derry, had some of the audience moved to tears with his harrowing story of the time he had spent as a prisoner of war in a Nazi concentration camp and of the friends he  lost, some of whom are buried in mass graves in Germany.  Harry attended the premiere with members of the maritime institute of Ireland.  Te film then moves on to the commemoration mass in City Quay which was presided over Fr. Paul.  Lt. Commander james Wyatt a representitive of the merchant navy from England had come over specially for the mass.  The Sea Scout were hugely involved in the mass as was the maritime institute of Ireland and The Seamen's Union of Ireland.  Family and Friends of the berieved seamen also attended the mass.

The film ended with the laying of the wreath's at the Seamens Memorial which stand on City Quay at the corner of Lombard Street, and has the names of the men that lost there lives on Irish Ships.  This is part of the communitys history which i knew very little about, and I believe it is important that we recognise the sacrifice that these men made so we could live the life we have today.  Having watched the film it brought back memories of my great grandfather who while working on ''The Hair'' was torpedoed during World War 1 in Dublin Bay. 

Special Thanks must go to Br. Michael, Paddy and Gerry of Creative Minds Productions who volunteered there time to preserve a hug part of our history, and also Betty Watson for hosting the event.

The DVD is available from City Quay Parish, Donations are very much accepted.  Contact City Quay Parish @ 01 - 677 3073''

Above Review extracted from ''The New Link'' Magazine - Easter 2007 -

Review by Wayne Metcalfe