The Hurler: A Campion's Tale
| The Hurler: A Campion's Tale | |
|---|---|
Film poster | |
| Directed by | Tony Kelly |
| Written by | Tony Kelly |
| Produced by | Tony Kelly |
| Starring | Tony Kelly, Elva Trill, Jon Kenny, Sophie Vavasseur |
Production companies | Dicemen, Lovely Hurling Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 98 minutes |
| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
The Hurler: A Campion's Tale is a 2023 Irish comedy film written and directed by Tony Kelly. The film follows a former inter-county hurler whose career collapses after a doping scandal and who later attempts to rebuild his reputation by coaching a struggling local team. The film has been reviewed by Film Ireland.
Plot
Gar Campion is a celebrated hurler whose professional and personal fortunes decline after he fails a performance-enhancing drug test. Facing public scorn, he accepts an opportunity to coach a hapless local hurling team in Waterford in order to salvage his reputation and finds himself confronting both sporting and relational challenges, including reconnecting with a former love interest.
Production
The film was developed from a long-running web series and one-man show created by Tony Kelly, who also stars in the lead role. Principal photography took place in Ireland, and Kelly worked with Kilkenny-based production companies Dicemen and Lovely Hurling Productions on the project.
Release
The film was released in Ireland in October 2023. Media coverage accompanied its release, with discussion focusing on its portrayal of Irish sporting culture and community life.[1]
Reception
In a review for Film Ireland, critic Adelaide Thermes Kane described the film as a sports comedy rooted in Irish hurling culture, noting its use of mockumentary-style elements and its adaptation from Tony Kelly's earlier web series. The review highlighted the film’s consistent comic tone while following familiar conventions in the sports underdog genre.[2]
In an interview with Cara O'Doherty of Echo Live, Tony Kelly discusses the film's local setting and compares the film's ambitions to other community-based Irish comedies.[3]
The Irish Daily Mail also reviewed the film on its release, noting its reliance on sporting humour and Irish cultural references and its place within the tradition of domestic sports comedies.[4]
Recognition
The Hurler: A Campion's Tale was longlisted for possible nomination in several categories ahead of the 2023 Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTAs).[5]
References
- ^ Walsh, Andrew (10 May 2023). "Trailer for upcoming Irish comedy The Hurler: A Campion's Tale released". Hot Press. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
- ^ Kane, Adelaide Thermes (9 October 2023). "Irish Film Review: The Hurler: A Campion's Tale". Film Ireland.
- ^ O'Doherty, Cara (6 October 2023). "Could this new film be the 'The Young Offenders' of hurling?". Echo Live.
- ^ Nolan, Philip; Viner, Brian (6 October 2023). "The Hurler: A Campion's Tale review". Irish Daily Mail.
- ^ Kearney, Dayna (28 December 2023). "The Hurler: A Campion's Tale longlisted for eight IFTA awards". Beat 102–103.