New documentary film explores war torn Waterford 

The premiere screening of 'The Aftermath', took place at Dungarvan Cinema last week. The feature documentary explores what happened in Waterford during the War Of Independence and the Civil War.

'The Aftermath' is the third film produced and directed by John Foley, about the 1916-1924 period of Irish History. The film sets out to explore the impact of both the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War on those who were involved in County Waterford.

The project included over 30 interviews with descendants of families involved and with local historians, capturing a wide range of perspectives and viewpoints.

Many of the descendants described ancestors who took the anti-treaty side to the conflict and hold strong opinions to the current day. Others, describe ancestors who took no further part in conflict after the War of Independence.

The interviewees included descendants and relatives of men and women involved in the War Of Independence and the Irish Civil War. These relatives include children of those involved, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, grand nieces and grand nephews. The contributors have a wide age profile and come from locations across Waterford city and county.

Contributors shared perspectives from different sides of the conflict, alongside their knowledge, their memories and in some cases the emotions passed down from their ancestors. 

Interviews from locals are supported by some simples visual re-enactments to augment and illustrate the stories being told.

One interviewee, Pat Ormond described how his father was shot near the end of the Civil War and the lifelong consequences he carried for the rest of his life. Another, Anne Higgins, described how her uncle John Ivory was shot in controversial circumstances at the end of the Civil War.

Various other stories presented in the film included incidents involving the Black and Tans, the IRA Cumann na mBan and Free State forces. 

Also covered were specific incidents across the county such as Piltown ambush, Pickardstown ambush and the Burgery ambush, whilst the siege of Waterford City was described by local historians James Doherty and Dermot Power.

These stories and many more were further illustrated thanks to the extensive collection of old photographs provided by Waterford County Museum and the National Library of Ireland.

There is a further screening scheduled for October 15, in Dungarvan cinema. The premiere for Waterford City will take place on the November 13, in Garter Lane. More screenings will be arranged depending on demand.