New Ross to get makeover ahead of Cillian Murphy feature film shoot

Principal photography began on ‘Small Things Like These’ in Wicklow early last week, with the cast and crew set to arrive in New Ross this Sunday ahead of four weeks of filming.

Quay Street will be the main setting for filming, with O’Hanrahan Bridge, Conduit Lane, Michael Street also featuring.

Area manager Alan FItzhenry said people can expect to see film crews working to make the streets look in keeping with the book’s 1980s setting over the coming days.

“The councillors and local people will have seen plenty of visitors with clip boards and hi-vis vests around the town centre these past weeks, with the production team and advance crew of ‘Small Things Like These’ scouting locations and finalising their plans for New Ross,” he said.

The production will roll into town from the week of Monday, March 20, with filming scheduled to start later that week. “The production currently estimates a cast and crew of 80 people will be in New Ross for five to six weeks, which will bring a most welcome economic lift.”

Barrow Pictures DAC have an 80-strong cast and crew which will be based at St Joseph’s school on Michael Street and in the old fire station on the street also.

“It is expected that green screens will be set up and all make-up and costume changes will take place at the school property, which is being cleaned up ahead of the cast and crews arrival.

Filming locations include Quay Street, Michael Street, O’Hanrahan Bridge and Conduit Lane with other locations being considered. “As with any film production, exact details are kept under wraps and confidential until the time of the film’s release,” said Mr Fitzhenry.

Road closure notices have been advertised in advance with traffic management plans in place to minimise disruption. The production are also informing residents directly in advance at each filming location.

“Ahead of filming, the public will begin to see works start in various locations around town to allow for scene setting and street/set dressing. The Municipal District staff have been very busy helping the production, along with Screen Ireland and excitement is certainly building locally. We would like to thank the people of New Ross for their warm welcome so far to the production and thank you in advance to the public, for their understanding during the filming process.”

It is anticipated the success of the film will be yet another addition to the reputation of New Ross and help with attracting visitors, he said.

“We all look forward to hearing ‘Action!’”

Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Sheehan thanked the council staff led by Ger and Sharon for their assistance to the production company, also thanking the Sisters of Mercy in Cork for permitting the use of St Joseph’s school.

Cllr Anthony Connick said: “I believe they have decided to do more scenes in the area which is great.”

Cllr Michael Whelan said some young people in the area have been given the chance to work with the crew and in scenes. “It’s good to see they are working with the community,” said Cllr Whelan.

Producer Catherine Magee sent a letter to the council, saying: “We feel exceptionally honoured and privileged to be able to stay true to that book and film with your here in New Ross in 2023.

“We have been so warmly welcomed by Wexford County Council and the municipal district staff have been exceptional in their ‘can do’ attitude to every question or query we fire at them daily. We sincerely hope we are paving the way for future productions to work and film in New Ross.”
She said the local pride in having the first feature film mainly shot in the town is evident from the enthusiasm of council staff.

“From finding 20ft Christmas trees and vintage cars to sourcing office spaces for our teams, this is a great effort on all fronts, for which we are sincerely grateful.

The support and enthusiasm by the local businesses all over the town is heartwarming and refreshing as they too want to showcase the town and are thinking of the long term benefits by welcoming and encouraging the growth of the film industry in County Wexford.”
Ms Magee said door-to-door calls have been made to residents on the streets where filming is to take place: namely Michael Street and Quay Street.

She extended an invitation for councillors to visit the set during filming, saying ‘we look forward to bringing the first feature film to New Ross over the coming weeks’.