After dark, wet week in Cambridge, Mass. Colleen and I were able to complete our feature documentary. The result, a 32-minute exploration of what gaelic games are and what they mean to the Irish who play them, is cheerfully titled “Playing Irish.” The title is inspired as much by our experiences as filmmakers in Ireland, playing along within a world of Irish sports and culture, as it is by the fact that for many of the Irish people we met, gaelic games represent an Ireland at Play.

Much of the final film cut has been drawn from the best of our broadcasts so readers and viewers familiar with our material here on heritageatplay.org will recognize a number of the characters, places, and adventures shown in the final documentary. But fear not, the documentary also features a host of new material and more importantly, the entire approach to editing this final film was very unlike the broadcasts. Instead of focusing on our travels and experiences, “Playing Irish” approaches gaelic games as a single theme, working through its meaning to communities, players, coaches, and spectators around Ireland. The result, we think, is a tight and informative exploration of hurling and football, offering an introduction for the uninitiated and a succinct celebration of the GAA for the long-time fan. Or as we describe it on the DVD box (which are prototyping this week)

Gaelic Games are among Ireland’s most popular and celebrated pastimes, with massive stadiums, national television coverage, and a network of clubs criss-crossing the Emerald Isle.

But few outside of Ireland have ever heard of Gaelic Games, and fewer still know how they are played.

Just after graduating college, two Irish-American filmmakers (Colleen Brogan & Zachary McCune) set out for Ireland to learn about these ancient games and their importance to the Irish people.

And that’s the story we’re telling!