Young Offenders actor starring in Irish boxing movie which was filmed in Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Acclaimed Irish crime drama Swing Bout, featuring Cork actor Niamh Cremin, is to make its television debut on RTÉ 2 tomorrow night at 9.35pm.

The boxing film, shot at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and also starring Ciara Berkeley, is being showcased ahead of Katie Taylor’s fight on RTÉ the following night.

Directed by Maurice O’Carroll, Swing Bout takes place over the course of one eventful night at a professional boxing show, exposing the corruption, ambition, and manipulation both inside and outside the ring.

Ms Cremin, who recently appeared as Charlotte in the fifth season of hit Cork comedy The Young Offenders, plays competitive boxer Bernie Breen — despite never having thrown a punch before landing the part.

For months before filming, Ms Cremin trained most days at SBG Cork under the guidance of coach Liam-Óg Griffin and the gym’s fighters, progressing from complete beginner to sparring alongside experienced male and female boxers.

She said: “When I landed the role in Swing Bout I had never boxed before, but I did have a massive respect for the boxing community, especially Ireland’s female boxers. I went from never having thrown a punch before to convincingly playing a competitive boxer, and that’s all because of the incredible training I received from Liam-Og Griffin and the other coaches.

“One of the first things Liam said to me was ‘you’re a dancer anyway,’ as I threw fists on my tippy toes with my straight spine and head high.

“That’s when I realised I had to completely change how I held my body in order to transform into a boxer.”

Ms Cremin and fellow Swing Bout actor Chrissie Cronin underwent weeks of individual training with Mr Griffin, who appears in the film as her coach, learning not only how to punch and move convincingly, but how a fighter thinks.

“The most vivid memory from my time training at SBG was how incredibly kind everyone there was and how generous they were in welcoming us into their community,” she said. “We observed these fierce, explosive and vicious boxers on the gym floor, and were met with gentle and respectful athletes outside the ring.

“Chatting with these boxers and observing them train was truly invaluable in stepping into the mentality and physicality of a boxer.

“I learnt how methodical and technical the sport is and how tactical and calculated every move is.”