Guth Gafa Documentary Festival 2008

An Táilliúir Gorm
Ireland, 2008, 52 min
Director: Mike Grodner

Fri 16th • Óstán Loch Altan • 12:00pm

An Tailliúir Gorm tells the story of the small island of Inis Bigil and its unique history. Hidden in the shadow of Achill Island and the coast of Mayo, it seems to be a place lost in time. Only accessible by open boat across some of the most dangerous currents in Europe, unsurprisingly the island's community has dwindled in recent years. With only 23 remaining inhabitants, the islanders now find themselves at a crossroads. Once the school master on the island, and one of Inis Bigil's most senior residents, Paddy Henry recounts the story of an early islander, the poet Padraig Ó Daibheád, the eponymous Blue Tailor. In doing so he reveals the island's remarkable history and heritage in music, poetry, mythology and fact. As the only island in Ireland to have been both Protestant and Irish speaking, it is not surprising that Inis Bigil has developed a character all of its own.