Slán leis an gCeol (Irish for "Farewell to Music") is a 2019 Irish documentary film documenting the life of Tony MacMahon, an Irish traditional musician. The film was directed and produced by Irish filmmaker Cathal Ó Cuaig.
Overview
The film is a lyrical portrait of MacMahon, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and was losing his ability to play music. It explores the complexities of a talented and philosophical man, examining the deep-seated troubles beneath the surface of a brilliant but tormented artist.
Production and Release
The film premiered at the Temple Bar TradFest on 26 January 2019, with the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, attending as guest of honour. The screening was followed by a question-and-answer session with Tony MacMahon and Cathal Ó Cuaig, hosted by Tristan Rosenstock. The film was also shown at the 2019 Dingle International Film Festival on 24 March 2019. It was first broadcast on RTÉ One television on 28 March 2019.
Technical Details
- Director: Cathal Ó Cuaig
- Producer: Cathal Ó Cuaig
- Starring: Tony MacMahon
- Cinematography: Séamus Deasy
- Editing: Ronnie Quinlan
- Running time: 52 minutes
- Country: Ireland
- Languages: English and Irish
Awards and Recognition
The film won the Celtic Media Festival's Torc Award for Excellence in the Arts category in 2020. It also won the European Prix CIRCOM Regional Programme Award in 2020 in the Music & Arts category.
International Broadcasts
The film was broadcast on Croatian Television Broadcaster HRT on 14 May 2021, and on the Galician Television Channel CRTVG on 15 June 2021.
