Film about last witch burning in Ireland wins major award at prestigious international festival in US

Sarah Slater

A short film about the last witch burning in Ireland has won a major award at a prestigious international festival in the United States.

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

Anne Williamson took the award for Best First-Time Female Director at the Festival.

Titled Bridget, the film is written and directed by Anne Williamson and Brian Clancy and performed by The Fionn MacCumhaill Players in Mullinahone, Co Kilkenny.

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 and was 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.

Williamson, who travelled to Los Angeles for the award ceremony, said of the win that those involved in the production had “no expectations at all. We did not expect to win anything. I was shocked when I heard my name being called out and my legs started to shake.

“I couldn’t even speak to be honest with you. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she added when speaking to KCLR96FM.