Barry Keoghan and Nicola Coughlan provide star power for Fastnet Film Festival in West Cork
Schull may not have had Cannes-style weather over the weekend, but pound-for-pound the film festival in the West Cork village punched way above its weight in terms of star power. The usual population of about 700 was swollen to capacity for the Fastnet Film Festival, with the great and the good of the film world coming together for screenings, discussions and to just generally hang out in the picturesque setting.
There's Barry Keoghan giving up his seat for an elderly woman in Amar's Café; or look, that's Rebecca Miller in the Church of Ireland Hall (temporarily renamed The Plaza) introducing her film about her father Arthur Miller. Robert Sheehan, Domhnall Gleeson, top director Lenny Abrahamson, American star Bill Pullman, etc, etc.
A few of the Fastnet Film Centre in Schull during the festival.
Keoghan was the hottest ticket in town for his Sunday lunchtime chat with Maureen Hughes, the casting director who signed him for his breakthrough role in Love/Hate.
Sitting on a sedately-lit stage, the 32-year-old gradually warmed to the format, opening up with insights and anecdotes from his incredible rise in the industry. Among those singled out for praise was fellow Irish actor Cillian Murphy, whom Keoghan has worked with on Peaky Blinders and Dunkirk. 'He's got such a work ethic and a discipline. There's no slacking with him,' said Keoghan.
The Dubliner is currently preparing for his role as Ringo Starr in a series of four Beatles films, and showed the welts on his hands from all the drumming practice in bootcamp.
That momentous project will take up at least the next 15 months of Keoghan's life, but he indicated he's happy to immerse himself in the project.
'My approach to Beatles movie is entirely different than anything I've ever done,' he said. 'In how I've stepped forward. And also being sober and has now allowed me artistically to go down further in a constructive way.'
He also revealed how a meeting with Starr himself helped set him for the role, even if he was reluctant to reveal with the Beatles' legend said to him.
Domhnall Gleeson at the Fastnet Film Festival in Schull. Picture: Dan Linehan
Nicola Coughlan of Derry Girls and Bridgerton also commanded a full house in Schull, and explained how she'd been out the night before with her former co-star Siobhan McSweeney. Apparently, the Cork actress had momentarily lapsed into Sister Michael mode, reprimanding Coughlan for requesting a Guiness: 'You'll have Beamish instead!'
As well as listing some of the lucky breaks and hard work that led to her getting such roles as wee Clare Devlin, and Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, Coughlan also spoke of using her position to do some good for the world, values she said she inherited from both her parents, including her late father, a soldier who had served with the UN in Jerusalem.
Nicola Coughlan, centre, pictured with Cork Airport's Barry Holland and Tara Finn, on her way to Schull for the Fastnet Film Festival. Picture: Cork Airport
The 38-year-old Galway woman is one of a small group of prominent actors to speak out on the plight of the Palestinians, and has used her social media to help raise over €2m for a children's charity in the region.
"At this point in time, I really wish more people would speak up. If you're advocating for innocent people, you should never be afraid of what you say,' she stated.
Hilary McCarthy, the festival's director of communications and programming, described the 2025 event as 'our best yet'.
'This year's festival was incredible — Schull looked stunning, and the atmosphere was electric. We had huge crowds and fantastic guests who gave so generously of their time. Most events sold out, with Barry Keoghan's event setting a new record by selling out online in under a minute.'
One notable absence from the Co Cork event this weekend was local resident and regular Fastnet Film Festival participant Paul Mescal. He was busy in Cannes promoting his new film The History Of Sound. You can't help but feel he missed out.
Out and about at Fastnet Film Festival
Ashley Cahalane with George at the Fastnet Film Festival, Schull, West Cork. Pictures: Dan Linehan
Siobhan Jeffery in Schull.
Joni Clarke att the Fastnet Film Festival.
William Morris and Christine O'Keeffe at the Fastnet Film Festival.
Sarann Doyle and Monica Lynott.
Carol Flynn at the Schull Harbour Hotel.
Ellie O'Sullivan and Kevin O'Donovan at the Barry Keoghan event.
Ríon O'Mahony and Sarah Dunne at the Schull Harbour Hotel.
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