The many lives of Thomas Moore, the Bard of Ireland are explored in this 75-minute feature documentary, airing on TG4 on Dec. 28.
Radical, rogue, shapeshifter - Thomas Moore’s life remains a mystery some 250 years on. A writer, poet and lyricist best known for his Irish Melodies collection; his multi-faceted life was much more than the sum of these melodies. Incredibly famous and respected during his lifetime, Moore remains an enigma, complex, an outlier.
A new feature documentary, made by Imagine Media for TG4 - "Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann" explores Moore’s intriguing life and work.
Although his fame has faded, his influence continues to fascinate and is to be found deep in the cultural fabric of Ireland and right across the world.
As composer and musician Neil Martin said “He gave a lot to us with his poetry and his music. When we think of the grip, he had so strong and deep all over the world – you can’t say that about many people really.”
Moore’s story is full of contrasts - from his early years at Trinity College, Dublin as one of the few Catholics admitted, his life as an Irishman in England, his mixed-religion marriage, his friendships with London society while struggling financially himself. A close friend of both United Irishman Robert Emmet and English Romantic poet Lord Byron, even in Moore’s death there is a duality, he is buried in a churchyard in the pastoral English countryside, but his gravestone is a stark Celtic cross.
In this intriguing exploration of Moore’s many lives, experts and historians such as Ronan Kelly, Úna Hunt, Kevin Whelan, Dr Sarah McCleave and Dr Úna Ní Bhroiméil share their analysis of his work and the impact it still holds.
According to historian Kevin Whelan, “There is no other superstar who has faded so much. Moore spoke to his century but he didn’t speak beyond it”, while for biographer Ronan Kelly, “there will always be a place for him and he will turn up again and again in surprising places.”
Contemporary interpretations of many of his best-known songs such as The Minstrel Boy and The Last Rose of Summer, from a diverse range of musical artists including Duke Special, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, Megan Nic Ruairí and Arborist are performed across the film.
Also examined in the film is the perennial interest that young performers have in engaging with Moore’s songs and melodies, particularly within the Féiseanna movement nationwide. Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann visits the Derry Feis and the Feis Ceoil in Dublin to attempt to understand this attraction.
Moore’s enduring legacy would not have been the same without his Irish Melodies collection and he may not have had the status he has as an Irish poet without them. They have been published the world over and continue to engage audiences from fireside to stage.
"Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann" journeys through the fascinating life, legacy and music of one of Ireland’s most enigmatic poets and lyricists. Pianist Úna Hunt summed Thomas Moore up when she said “He was a man for all seasons!”
The film is an Imagine Media Production with support from the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and TG4.
"Thomas Moore, Bard na hÉireann" will air on TG4 on Dec.28 at 8.25pm.
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