Mel Gibson says he can identify with ‘mad Irish culture' as he visits Meath for Braveheart 30th anniversary

Irish Independent

a day ago

The Hollywood actor and director (69) paid tribute to those involved in the filming of the historical epic in Ireland.
And with many of his ancestors from Ireland and his mother from Co Longford, he said that he 'understands and can identify' with the 'mad Irish culture'.
Gibson, who directed, produced and starred in the 1995 film was speaking in Trim, Co Meath, as he celebrated the anniversary at the King John Summer Prom.
Hundreds of people turned out to catch a glimpse of the movie star, who signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans.
Despite its Scottish storyline, Braveheart was primarily filmed in counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, with the well-known execution scene filmed at Trim Castle.
During his visit to Trim on Saturday, Gibson said he feels a 'connection' to the Irish.
'There is this DNA thing that goes way back probably to the fourth century. Some people think they are reincarnated, I just get hints of something old. There's different parts that make us,' he said.
'So I came from Ireland somehow. It's not even that explicable, but it's just a feeling.'
Gibson said that the Irish hospitality during the filming of Braveheart was 'amazing' and he thanked the people of Ireland and hundreds of movie extras for the role they played.
He also thanked then Arts Minister Michael D Higgins.
'Michael D Higgins welcomed us with open arms at the time. He said you can come here and we'll help you as much as we can,' Gibson said.
Gibson had been shooting Braveheart in Scotland originally, but said the ground was not suitable for horses during battle scenes, compared to the Curragh in Co Kildare.
The US-Australian actor spent his visit in Trim meeting local people who had been extras in the award-winning film.
Gibson had made the request prior to his arrival to meet with two extras from Ireland privately before the event started.
Vinny McConnell and Gary Downes both joined the cast when they were 16 as one of their first jobs.
Vinny explained how the pair were members of the FCA based at Cathal Brugha Barracks and the opportunity had arisen to be involved in the film shooting at the Curragh.
'At the end of our filming we ended up getting photos, dating back 30 years ago now, and we have reunited with Mel Gibson and he signed them for us,' Vinny said.
Life got in the way for Vinny and Gary to continue pursuing their love for film, but as Gary said: 'It's never too late, we're 47 and we're hot to trot.'
One of the film extras, Gerry Gormley, also had the opportunity to work on set for three days during filming at Trim Castle, and he chatted to Gibson one on one about how the pair are actually related – Gibson's mother and Gerry's grandmother were cousins.
'It was embarrassing really. It was the end of the day filming and I had to shout from the crowd trying to talk to him: 'I'm actually related to you',' he said.
'I remember all the lads of set were sniggering, but he [Gibson] actually put his arm around me. He was interested in his Irish history so of course he wanted to know.
'I looked back and the lads and they were in shock so I was fairly smug then.'
A total of 200 'Braveheart' posters were brought to be signed by Gibson, with proceeds raised from their sale to be donated to the charity 'Irish Equity', which represents professionals in the live performance and theatre sector in the Republic of Ireland.
Gibson attended the King John Summer Prom Festival, joined by his son Lars (8) and daughter Lucia (15) and his partner Rosalind Ross.
As part of the festival, Gibson and his family joined people in a red and white tent on the outskirts of Trim on Saturday to listen to the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra play themes from famous movies, conducted by Niall O'Sullivan.
Irish actor Patrick Bergin introduced the music from Sleeping With The Enemy, in which he starred opposite Julia Roberts.
He told a story about how, after auditioning for the role, he tried to leave the room and walked into a broom closet.
'As I came out of the closet [director] Joe Ruben said 'it was the look in your eye that got you the part'.'
Actor Kate O'Toole told the story of how her father was away for two years to film Lawrence Of Arabia, before introducing the theme from the film played by the orchestra.
'One of the weird things about it that still stays with me is that scene with the quicksand, I really thought when I was a child that going to the beach was dangerous,' she told the crowd.
Singer Leah Barniville performed Ennio Morricone's Ecstasy Of Gold from the Good, The Bad And The Ugly, as well as the Titanic Suite.