Short film about last witch burning in Ireland nominated for three international awards

Sarah Slater

A short film about the last witch burning in Ireland has been nominated for three international awards next month.

The burning of Bridget Cleary, who was believed to be a witch written by two Tipperary natives has been selected at the international short film festival, Indie X awards, which will be held in Los Angeles in the US next month.

Titled 'Bridget' the film is written by Anne Williamson and Brian Clancy and performed by The Fionn MacCumhaill Players. It was also filmed by Diceman Productions, Kilkenny-based cinematographers.

The film depicts the story of the 26-year-old’s final days and murder in Cloneen, Co Tipperary. It is nominated for the best new director, best ensemble cast and best young actor awards.

In 1895, Cleary was burned to death by her husband Michael Cleary who claimed she was a changeling known as a fairy or an elf. Her family and friends were convinced by her husband that she was a witch.

Numerous stories have been written and filmed about the case which has led the tale to become known as the last witch burning in Ireland.

She became known as a witch when she started to take walks up past the fairy fort in Kylenagranagh close to her home.

Cleary was a very independent and beautiful woman who was a seamstress and was well educated. When she developed bronchitis after getting caught in the rain one evening she took to the bed with a fever.

Her husband described her as “being away with the fairies” when she became ill.

Anne Williamson, writer and director, said it is “a wonderful achievement for a low budget film to receive so many nominations”. She added that she hopes to travel to Los Angeles for the ceremony in May.