Kildare writers among award finalists
Aisling Byrne who is nominated in the Best Short Film Script category for Mary is Missing
Three Kildare writers have been named among the finalists for the Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) Zebbie Awards, which recognise excellence in Irish writing for stage, screen and audio.
Kildare natives Richie Conroy and Aisling Byrne are shortlisted in the Best Feature Film Script and Best Short film script respectively.
Conroy is nominated for Fran the Man, a football mockumentary starring Darragh Humphreys, Ardal O'Hanlon and Amy Huberman. The film follows a non-league side who are drawn against Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup.
Byrne, alongside co-writer Caitríona Daly, is nominated for Mary is Missing, a thriller set in a day service for people with intellectual disabilities.
Cork-born Lisa O'Donovan, who is based in Kildare, is also a finalist in the Children's & Young People's TV Script category for Maddie & Triggs episode Ice Cream.
The winners will be announced at the 19th annual Zebbie Awards ceremony at Dublin's Light House Cinema on September 3, hosted by Tara Flynn.
The WGI represents Irish working in film, television, theatre, radio, animation and games. The organisation campaigns for rights, remuneration, more control of work and increased recognition for its members.
WGI Chair Jennifer Davidson said this year's nominations highlight the quality and diversity of Irish writing.
She said:
“At a time when the Irish screen industry is experiencing record-breaking growth, it is more important than ever that writers are properly recognised and fairly paid for the work that makes that success possible. No film, television series, play, audio drama or children’s programme can exist without the script at its heart.
“The Zebbies are an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the brilliant creative minds behind the stories audiences love, and to remind the industry that fair contracts, fair payment and public recognition for writers must be central to any sustainable future for Irish storytelling.”
The awards are named after theatre and film supporter O.Z. "Zebby" Whitehead.
The awards are supported by Screen Ireland and the Irish Copyright Licensing Agency.
