**๐๐๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ค๐จ๐ & ๐๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ!**
As the Clogherinkoe & Broadford Film Awards draw near, we are thrilled to introduce the four esteemed judges who will have the challenging task of selecting the winners. With the trailer already showcasing an incredible standard of acting and production, deciding who takes home the awards will be no easy feat. From Best Drama Scene to Best Actor and Best Film, our judges will have to navigate tough comparisonsโhow do you weigh up Olllie Conlan’s The Bull and Ben Kenny’s Forrest against Dec OโConnorโs Father Ted?
After searching high and low for a panel that could rise to this responsibility, we are delighted to announce our Fab Four:
**๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ง๐๐ง โ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐**
A native of Stepaside, Dublin, Ruth found her passion for performance in school plays and later through community theatre. Since moving to Kildare over 20 years ago, she has been an active member of the Insight Theatre Group in Celbridge. Her love for drama has always been present, though these days, GAA commitments often take centre stage. Ruthโs energy and enthusiasm have been invaluable to the Balyna and Broadford Hurling committees, where she has served tirelessly.
Rumours swirl about Ruthโs mysterious link to the fortune teller Madame Baleena, who has made appearances at community eventsโcould she be bringing some supernatural insights to the judging panel? One thingโs for sure: with her flair for fashion, bold glasses, and keen interest in props and costumes, Ruth will be paying close attention to every detail on screen. A lifelong fan of The Shawshank Redemption and Helen Mirren, she will bring both style and substance to the judging table.
**๐๐จ๐ก๐ง ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ซ๐ โ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐๐ง**
With 58 years of experience in drama and theatre, John Maguire is no stranger to the stageโor the screen. Many will remember him as Cyril McKeown in *Pure Mule*, the hit TV series written by Eugene O’Brien. But his impact on the arts extends far beyond his own performances. As the founder of the Gemini Players in Edenderry, John has directed and mentored countless actors, earning multiple awards along the way. His influence in local theatre, particularly working with schools and community productions, has been immeasurable.
Johnโs expertise will be invaluable as he assesses the dramatic performances on show at the Film Awards. Having seen (and judged) it all before, his keen eye for storytelling and character depth will be crucial in deciding the winners.
**๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐๐ โ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ **
Best known for his role as a judge on RTรโs Home of the Year, Hugh Wallace is well accustomed to making tough calls. As an award-winning architect and founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants, his passion for design and creativity is undeniable. Whether it’s restoring Irelandโs architectural heritage on The Great House Revival or critiquing the finest homes in the country, Hugh knows how to spot quality.
His enthusiasm for judging, combined with his deep appreciation for visual storytelling, makes him a fantastic addition to our panel. And much like Ruth Brennan, Hugh is known for his bold glasses and colourful wardrobeโexpect some fashion inspiration from the judging bench!
**๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐โ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ โ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ**
Aisling OโNeill is a household name in Irish television, having played Carol Foley in Fair City for over 25 years. Her portrayal of the fiery and complex character has earned her widespread acclaim, including an IFTA nomination for Best Female Performance in a Soap or Comedy. Recently, she won Best Actress at the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival for Whistling Past the Grave, proving her talent extends far beyond Carrigstown.
Growing up in a theatrical family, Aisling has spent her life immersed in performance. From her early days acting alongside her father, Chris OโNeill, to starring in productions across Ireland and New York, she has honed her craft through real-world experience. While sheโs known for her intense dramatic roles, Aisling has a deep love for comedy, something she hopes to see plenty of at the Film Awards!
With such a wealth of talent on the judging panel, we cannot wait to hear their thoughts after each film and, ultimately, see which performances and productions rise to the top. Itโs sure to be a night of suspense, celebration, and some very difficult decisions. Stay tuned as our Fab Four take on the challenge of crowning the winners of the Clogherinkoe & Broadford Film Awards!
