The Flag

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Short film set in the immediate aftermath of one of the most notorious and controversial events in Irish history - Oliver Cromwell's Siege of Drogheda, 5th - 11th September 1649.

The three characters depicted in this feature represent members of one of the provincial armies of the Irish Catholic Confederacy - opponents of the Cromwellian forces who have just sacked the town of Drogheda. To represent the Catholic troops accurately - all clothing was painstakingly researched and where possible was based on early 17thC Irish archaeological bog finds. Among the preserved woolen garments reproduced and used in 'The Flag' was a coat or 'cóta mór' from Leigh, Co Tipperary (National Museum of Ireland) and a doublet from Dungiven, Co Derry (Ulster Museum). The flag itself was based upon a contemporary written description of one of eleven in a list of Irish Confederate regimental colours from the 1640's. Alongside it's typically overt Catholic imagery, the flag bears the cypher 'Vivat Carolus Rex' (Long live King Charles) to the left side and below the motto 'Aequum est pro Christo mori' (it is fitting to die for Christ). The religious motto was doubtless well meant while lip service was being paid to King Charles who would have been regarded as little more than the lesser of two English evils.

The film was shot in Ireland in Autumn 2010 by members of Claíomh with the invaluable assistance of Josh Plunkett and Rob Hunt. The soundtrack was specially composed and performed by Brian Conniffe.