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RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Mel Gibson to mark 'Braveheart' anniversary in Trim
A series of events begin in Trim to mark the 30th anniversary of the making of the Oscar-winning movie, 'Braveheart', part of which was filmed in the historic Co Meath town. Mel Gibson, who directed, produced and starred in the 1995 film, has arrived in Trim for the occasion. A host of other actors from the film are also in town as part of the King John Summer Prom Festival, which takes place this weekend. Mr Gibson arrived in Ireland from Italy, where he is preparing to shoot his 'The Passion of the Christ' sequel. Other Braveheart actors who will also attend the festival over the weekend include David O'Hara (Stephen, the Irishman), Angus Macfadyen (Robert the Bruce), Mhairi Calvey (Young Murron MacClannough), John Murtagh (Lochlan) and Andrew Weir (Young Hamish Campbell). Mr Gibson, who portrayed the character of Scottish warrior William Wallace in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England, will sign 200 limited edition posters in Trim this morning. Organisers said that all proceeds from the sale of the posters will be donated to the Irish Equity Benevolent Fund, with the money ultimately being given to actors who have fallen on hard times. A matinee concert with the 65-piece Irish Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Niall O'Sullivan, celebrating the music of some of cinema's greatest composers, will take place this afternoon at the big top on the outskirts of the town. This evening, Mr Gibson and his fellow cast members will attend a special 30th anniversary outdoor screening of the movie, which is often credited with kick starting the Irish film industry. The events form part of the King John Summer Prom Festival with organisers promising a weekend of "cinematic soundscapes, soaring vocals and symphonic wonder". With around 300 performers from home and abroad, those behind the event said the weekend is expected to be the "largest orchestral festival on the island of Ireland". Eric Lawlor from the festival committee, as well as several of those who were involved in different aspects of film's production, have been recounting their fond memories of when 'Braveheart' and Hollywood came to town. Despite its Scottish setting, the iconic film was primarily shot in Ireland with locations in counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, providing the landscape for many of its medieval scenes. Tax incentives, as well as the availability of members of the Defence Forces to act as extras, helped to seal the deal for Mr Gibson, following a meeting with Irish producer Morgan O'Sullivan and then minister for the arts Michael D Higgins in 1994. He announced that the movie, which had an estimated budget of $72 million, and was originally scheduled to be filmed entirely on location in Scotland, would instead be, for the most part, made in Ireland. Trim Castle was portrayed as the fortified English town of 'York' while the 'London square' was also created on the other side of the castle wall. The film proved to be a global success and was nominated in ten categories at the 68th Academy Awards, taking home five awards, including Best Picture.
RTÉ News
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Gibson to return to Co Meath for 'Braveheart' anniversary
Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is set to return to Co Meath next week to mark the 30th anniversary of the making of the Academy Award-winning movie 'Braveheart'. Mr Gibson, who directed, produced and starred in the 1995 film, is returning to the town of Trim as part of the King John's Summer Prom Festival, which will take place next weekend. Despite its Scottish setting, the iconic film was primarily shot in Ireland with locations in counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow providing the landscape for many of its medieval scenes. Tax incentives as well as the availability of members of the Defence Forces to act as extras helped to seal the deal for Mr Gibson, following a meeting with Irish producer Morgan O'Sullivan and then Minister for the Arts, Michael D Higgins in 1994. He soon announced that the movie, which had an estimated budget of $72 million (€62.9 million) and was originally scheduled to be filmed entirely on location in Scotland, would instead be, for the most part, made in Ireland. Trim Castle was portrayed as the fortified English town of 'York' while the 'London square' was also created on the other side of the castle wall. The film proved to be a global success and was nominated in ten categories at the 68th Academy Awards, taking home five awards including Best Picture. Mr Gibson, who himself portrayed the character of Scottish warrior William Wallace in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England, is now returning to the historic Co Meath town. The American actor, now aged 69, will be signing posters at Trim Castle Hotel on the morning of Saturday 9 August with all proceeds going towards the Irish Equity Benevolent Fund, which provides emergency assistance to people in financial difficulty. He will also attend a number of concerts and a screening of the film on Saturday night with many other cast members from 'Braveheart' also expected to descend on Trim for the event. Their visit forms part of the King John Summer Prom Festival with organisers promising a weekend of "cinematic soundscapes, soaring vocals and symphonic wonder". The Irish Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Niall O'Sullivan will be among the other acts taking to the stage under a fully seated big top located on the outskirts of the town. With a total of almost 300 performers from home and abroad, those behind the event have said the weekend is expected to be the "largest orchestral festival on the island of Ireland".
The Irish Sun
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hollywood actor Mel Gibson set to return to Meath next month in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Braveheart
AWARD-winning Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is set to return to Co Meath next month to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the acclaimed Braveheart film. The 3 Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is set to return to Trim for an event celebrating Braveheart's 30th anniversary Credit: Getty Images 3 Event organiser Eric Lawlor said it will be a quick stop by before he heads to shoot another movie Credit: Journalist Collect Mel will stay at an undisclosed private venue in the county with Eric himself has a special attachment to the movie as his late brother Sean Lawlor played Malcolm Wallace in the hit. Sean, who also appeared in James Cameron's "This news is just fantastic," said Eric. READ MORE IN SHOWBIZ "Dave O'Hara who also starred in Braveheart was a personal friend of my brother Sean and so he got in touch with Mel and persuaded him to come to Ireland. "He said Mel, you gotta do this for the 30th anniversary of Braveheart - and so he is coming for the weekend. "The timing was perfect as he will leave Trim and travel on to Rome where he is making his latest film" During the visit Mel will catch up with a large number of other cast members from Most read in Celebrity And he will attend a number of concerts and the screening of the film on Saturday night before leaving Meath on the Sunday. Since the making of Braveheart, Mel has kept in touch with the historic town and was awarded the 'Freeman of Trim' status. Braveheart fans go mad for Mel Gibson as he's asked about independence He also sent a message over to the town on the 25th anniversary of the movie. The global hit was nominated for ten Mel is due to sign 200 posters on Saturday, 9th August at Trim Castle Hotel in aid of the Irish Equity Benevolent Fund but Eric warns timing is too tight for people to spend time with the actor. "It will be a quick in and out here as we have to get 200 posters signed in two hours but there will be, no doubt, other opportunities to get a selfie with him," he laughed. The King John's This includes those by actor Patrick Bergin, local singer Leah Barniville the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Niall O'Sullivan. Tickets and further information on the event can be obtained from 3 The acclaimed film Braveheart took home five Academy Awards Credit: Getty
BreakingNews.ie
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Mel Gibson to return to Co Meath to celebrate Braveheart 30th anniversary
Award-winning Hollywood actor Mel Gibson is set to return to Co Meath next month to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Braveheart film. The US star will stay in Trim and sign posters in aid of the Irish Equity Benevolent Fund as part of the King John's Summer Prom Festival, which takes place in the historic town on August 8th to 10th. Advertisement Gibson will stay at an undisclosed private venue in the county with family members, according to event organiser Eric Lawlor. Lawlor himself has a special attachment to the movie as his late brother Sean played Malcolm Wallace in the hit movie. "This news is just fantastic," said Lawlor. "Dave O'Hara, who also starred in Braveheart, was a personal friend of my brother Sean and so he got in touch with Mel and persuaded him to come to Ireland. He said 'Mel, you gotta do this for the 30th anniversary of Braveheart' – and so he is coming for the weekend. Advertisement "The timing was perfect as he will leave Trim and travel on to Rome where he is making his latest film." During the visit Gibson will catch up with a large number of other cast members from Braveheart, who will also be in the town for the event. He will attend a number of concerts and the screening of the film on Saturday night before leaving Meath on the Sunday. Since the making of Braveheart, Gibson has kept in touch with the historic town and was awarded the 'Freeman of Trim' status. He also sent a message to the town on the 25th anniversary of the movie. Entertainment Mel Gibson: My home of over a decade burned down d... Read More The global hit was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won five for best picture, make-up, cinematography, sound editing and Gibson himself won one for best director. Advertisement Gibson is due to sign 200 posters on Saturday, August 9th, at Trim Castle Hotel in aid of the Irish Equity Benevolent Fund, but Lawlor warns timing is too tight for people to spend time with the actor. "It will be a quick in and out here as we have to get 200 posters signed in two hours but there will be, no doubt, other opportunities to get a selfie with him," he laughed. The King John's Summer Prom Festival is set to be an event-packed weekend with performances by actor Patrick Bergin, local singer Leah Barniville, and the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Niall O'Sullivan.
