Dedicated hurling fans gathering for the much-anticipated Kilkenny senior county hurling final on the October Bank Holiday Weekend are in for an extra treat this year.
Fearghus Ó Conchúir’s cinematic dance film ‘All to Play For’ will be screened at the St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship final at UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday, October 25.
The short film captures the raw power, energy and athleticism of former Kilkenny camogie and hurling greats Anne Dalton, Ann Downey, Liam Fennelly and Tommy Malone and embodies the pure skill and dedication of players nationwide in both codes.
The dramatic short film was developed and shot in Kilkenny and is one of five community-rooted projects commissioned by Kilkenny County Council’s Public Arts Programme 2024-2027, and funded by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage and Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Featured hurler, Liam Fennelly, said: “The film captures the whole ethos of the GAA in that you are lucky to play for your county but you are still very much part of your community. I am lucky to have played the game and I loved to win. I’m glad I did it all.”
Mary Butler, Kilkenny County Council’s Arts Officer, said: “We’re delighted to see All to Play For being screened to a captive audience at UPMC Nowlan Park and hope those assembled enjoy this incredible piece of work that we were delighted to support under the Public Arts Programme. It is highly recommended viewing.”
Choreographer and dance artist Fearghus Ó Conchúir said he’s looking forward to seeing the public’s reaction. “I’m thrilled that All to Play For will be screened to match audiences on a landmark weekend in the sporting calendar in Kilkenny. All four players featured are All Ireland medal winners for Kilkenny but that county success relies on the energy of local clubs and communities.
“I’m grateful to all of the GAA and Camogie family across Kilkenny that inspired the film and helped us make it.”
Kilkenny GAA Chairperson PJ Kenny said: “We’re delighted to welcome All to Play For to UPMC Nowlan Park on County Final day. Anne Dalton, Ann Downey, Liam Fennelly and Tommy Malone have all made an outstanding contribution to hurling and camogie in Kilkenny, and it is wonderful to see their achievements and the spirit of our games celebrated in such a creative way.
“Hurling and camogie are deeply rooted in communities throughout Kilkenny, and this film captures the passion, dedication and sense of belonging that make our games so special. We congratulate Fearghus Ó Conchúir and everyone involved in bringing this project to life.”
