Director’s Statement: – Breege Rowley

It all started with my neighbour throwing out his old cine films-memories he saw as unplayable, forgotten and obsolete. But to me, they were treasures, windows into a past that still mattered. In that moment, I realised how easily our stories—our history, our community—could disappear. That day, a mission took hold of me: to preserve Swinford’s past, not just for us, but for generations to come.

All Our Yesterdays is the culmination of that mission. This documentary captures 250 years of Swinford’s history through the voices, photos, cine films and music of its people. It’s a tapestry of memory, woven from the resilience, creativity and spirit of a town that has withstood the test of time.

With over two decades of experience in film and television, contributing to Award Winning works like Buskers, Pavee Lackeen and Pilgrim Hill, I knew I could take on this challenge. I began this project ten years ago, driven by a passion to preserve Ireland’s heritage and inspired by the universal themes of emigration, survival and connection to home.

What makes All Our Yesterdays truly unique are the treasures it contains: unseen cine footage, century-old letters from Swinford to New York and a soundtrack created by local musicians, past and present. These elements create an intimate portrait of a small town with a global legacy, resonating with audiences worldwide.

This film is not just a tribute to Swinford; it’s a call to action for communities everywhere to honour and preserve their own stories. Heritage is fragile and if we don’t act to protect it, it risks being lost for ever.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to celebrate Swinford’s extraordinary past. My hope is that All Our Yesterdays will inspire others to reconnect with their roots, value their history and see the power of storytelling in bringing people together.
With gratitude,

Breege Rowley
Director, All Our Yesterdays

Bernard O’Hara –
Historian & Author
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*****

Bernard O’Hara, a renowned Irish historian and former Registrar at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), specialises in Ireland’s social and economic history.
In All Our Yesterdays, he examines the Penal Laws, the Poor Law Act, and the impact of the Great Famine, emphasising their roles in emigration and social change. O’Hara also provides a compelling account of Michael Davitt and the Land League, exploring their fight for tenant farmers’ rights and their enduring legacy in Ireland. As a published author and expert on County Mayo’s heritage, O’Hara’s insights add depth and context to Swinford’s history.

Tom Hennigan – A Keeper of
Ireland’s Past
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*****

Tom Hennigan is a captivating storyteller and custodian of Hennigan’s Heritage, preserving the history of Ireland’s tenant farmers and rural life. Through vivid narratives, he shares their struggles, resilience, and traditions, including “killing the pig”, a communal act of generosity.
His own story reflects Ireland’s past—his father was a migrant worker, often away to support the family. With a deep emotional connection to history, Tom brings the past to life, ensuring its legacy endures.

Michael Comer – Guardian of
Swinford’s History
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*****

The late Michael Comer was a devoted local historian who preserved and shared the rich history of Swinford. Through his storytelling, he brought to life the town’s past, from the Penal Laws and the Poor Law Act to the Famine, Michael Davitt’s land reforms, and the opening of Swinford’s train station.
His own family’s legacy was deeply tied to Ireland’s fight for independence—his grandfather supported Michael Collins in the Civil War, a commitment that shaped their place in history.
Michael’s passion for Swinford’s heritage ensured its stories live on, leaving behind a lasting legacy for future generations.

Bríd O’Connell: Champion of
Swinford’s Cultural Heritage
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*****

For over four decades, Bríd O’Connell has been the driving force behind Swinford’s Síamsa Sráide Street & Arts Festival, serving as its secretary and main organiser. The festival holds a special place in the hearts of the Mayo diaspora worldwide,
strengthening connections to their roots and fostering a sense of belonging among those living abroad.
In the documentary All Our Yesterdays, Bríd shares her insights into the importance of music in Swinford’s cultural identity and the role of the Síamsa Sráide Festival in reconnecting the Mayo diaspora with their roots. Her contributions to the film highlight the enduring power of community and the timeless connection to home.

Richard Kendrick –
Director of Photography
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*****

Mary Harkin – Location
Sound Recordist
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*****

Mary Harkin is a highly experienced Location Sound Recordist, with an extensive career across drama, documentary, and entertainment television. She has worked on acclaimed productions such as Crá, Derry Girls (CH4), Corp & Anam (TG4), Narcos Dublin (Sky Arts), The Civil War Memory Project (RTÉ) and Ireland’s Dirty Laundry (RTÉ & ARTE).
In All Our Yesterdays, Mary’s expertise in capturing natural soundscapes and dialogue helps bring Swinford’s history to life with clarity, depth, and authenticity.
📽 Notable Credits Include: 🎬 Drama: Crá, Derry Girls, Aithrí, Corp & Anam, Teenage Kicks, Rós na Rún
🎥 Documentary: Narcos Dublin, The Civil War Memory Project, Ireland’s Dirty Laundry, The Rotunda
🎤 Entertainment: The Apprentice, Home of the Year, Big
Year in Big School, Laochra Gael

New Decade Production –
Executive Producers
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*****

Nuala Cunningham and Jen Dunbar of New Decade Production served as executive producers for All Our Yesterdays, overseeing its successful completion. With extensive experience in documentary and factual storytelling, their portfolio includes The Swimming Diaries (2024), Notes from Sheepland (2023), My Lost Russian Mother (2023), The Secret Peacemaker (2023) and Storm Front in Mayo (2019).For All Our Yesterdays, they played a key role in managing production, providing expert guidance and support to bring the film to the screen.

More at: https://www.newdecade.ie

First Element – Online
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*****

First Element Post Production is a leading post-production company specialising in editing, colour grading, sound design and final delivery for film, television, and digital content. With a focus on technical precision and creative execution, they collaborate with filmmakers to shape visually compelling and immersive audio experiences. For All Our Yesterdays First Element provided online editing and sound mix, supporting the film’s narrative flow and final presentation. Their contribution included technical support, ensuring a cohesive and polished final product.
More at: www.firstelement.ie

Ciara Gallogaly – Colourist
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*****

Ciara Gallogaly – Colourist

Ciara Gallogaly is a Dublin-based film colourist with extensive experience across commercials, music videos, film and documentary. Originally from Swinford, she has a personal connection to All Our Yesterdays and a long-standing working relationship with director Breege Rowley. Their shared roots and creative collaboration brought an added depth to her work on the film. For All Our Yesterdays, Ciara expertly balanced archival cine film and modern multi-camera footage, ensuring a seamless and cohesive visual experience that preserves the film’s historical authenticity. Her precise approach enhances the film’s storytelling by maintaining its rich, cinematic look. Her notable work includes Kneecap (2024), The Drowning (2021), and Pavee Lackeen: The Traveller Girl (2005).
More at: Ciara Gallogaly IMDb.

The Music Of All Our Yesterdays

The soundtrack of All Our Yesterdays is a deeply moving and integral part of the film, capturing the musical and cultural identity of Swinford and its people. Featuring a blend of traditional, contemporary and dance hall music, the score brings the landscape and narrative to life. This is due to an extraordinary group of musicians, composers and vocalists, all with deep ties to the region. Swinford Michael Davitt Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann provided vibrant performances that ground the film in the rich musical heritage of Swinford. Alannah Thornburgh, an award winning composer and harpist, crafted delicate yet powerful compositions that enhance the film’s emotional depth. Steven Doherty, a renowned multi-instrumentalist, composed and arranged key pieces that shape the dramatic and atmospheric tone of the film. The late Conor Walsh, known for his emotive and minimalist compositions, set the tone for the opening act, capturing the struggle and resilience of the Irish people. John Feeney, a celebrated Swinford native and Carnegie Hall performer, brings the 1950s era to life, reflecting the town’s social history and its diaspora.

The film’s vocal performances add further richness. Francie Mc Nicholas delivers a stirring rendition of Mo Ghrá Thu A Thiarna, composed by Liam Lawton, whose generosity allowed its use in the film. Sinéad Snee performs a poignant and heartfelt version of The Parting Glass, closing the film with emotion and grace.
Capturing the essence of the dance hall era, Brennan’s Band – The Starlight Swingtet recreates the sounds that once filled social gatherings with Kathryn Noone curating the musical selection.

A group of exceptional musicians from Michael Davitt CCÉ also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, including Adele Greene, Joe Greene, John Greene, Anthony Maguire, Anna Doherty, Séan Healy, Martin Woods, Christopher Woods, Riona Foote, Breege Gleeson, and Rob Thornburgh. Their collective talent brings an authentic traditional Irish sound to the film.
The soundtrack is further elevated by special guest musicians. Matt Molloy of The Chieftains lends his legendary flute playing to the project, adding a masterful touch. The group Alfi also contributed to the
richness of the musical score.

Much of the film’s music was recorded at Currinara Studio, Foxford, under the expertise of Stephen & Tom Doherty, who brought the compositions to life with their recording and production skills. The film’s piano accompaniment was provided by Antoinette Byrn, whose artistry adds warmth and depth to key moments.
The juxtaposition of sweeping, breathtaking melodies against themes of struggle and perseverance makes the soundtrack of All Our Yesterdays not just a complement to the visuals, but an emotional journey in itself.

These musical traditions come to life through the performances of:
🎵 Francie McNicholas, Sinéad Snee and the late world renowned Tenor John Feeney
🎵 Musicians from Swinford’s Michael Davitt CCÉ
🎵 Guest musician Matt Molloy (The Chieftains)
🎵 Compositions by Alannah Thornburgh, Steven Doherty and the late Conor Walsh

9 points of interest

1. What is All Our Yesterdays about?
All Our Yesterdays is a feature documentary that tells the story of Swinford, County Mayo, and its people over the past 250 years. It captures the town’s rich history, resilience, and connection to the Irish diaspora through rare cine footage, personal photographs and first hand accounts. The film weaves together stories of emigration, community and cultural heritage, preserving the voices of past and present generations.

2. What inspired you to make this film?
I have a deep connection to Swinford and a strong desire to preserve its history for future generations. Initially, the documentary was meant to explore the town’s social history from the 1940s to the 1970s, but as the project evolved, so did the story. By the time I secured the funding to complete the film, I had to reimagine the narrative, expanding it into a broader exploration of Swinford’s past and its people.
Tragically, five of the key contributors I had originally interviewed passed away before the film was completed. Their words and memories remain at the heart of All Our Yesterdays and I feel privileged to carry their legacy forward in this documentary.

3. How did you source the archival footage and personal stories featured in the film?
The documentary is built on a foundation of community collaboration. Locals generously contributed previously unseen personal photographs, cine footage and family archives, which were invaluable in bringing Swinford’s history to life.I was also incredibly fortunate to have access to Maggie Blanks’ archive, which includes sketches from her newspaper collection. These visual records added a unique artistic dimension to the film, capturing moments in Swinford’s history that might otherwise have been lost.

4. What challenges did you face during the making of All Our Yesterdays?
Funding was one of the biggest challenges. The film was largely self-financed, with additional support from Mayo County Council and Leader Rural Group. Securing archive licenses was another hurdle, as obtaining high-quality historical footage can be costly. Perhaps the greatest challenge was the evolving nature of the story itself. By the time I had the resources to complete the film, I had lost some of my key contributors. This forced me to rethink the film’s structure, but it also strengthened my resolve to ensure their voices were heard.
Though the project took longer than expected, the unwavering support of the Swinford community kept me going.

5. How does the documentary connect with the Irish diaspora?
Like many Irish towns, Swinford has a long history of emigration. The film explores the experiences of those who left and the connections they maintained with home. Through letters, music and shared traditions, the diaspora’s link to Swinford remains strong, even generations later. The response from the Irish diaspora has been incredibly moving—many viewers recognise their own family histories within the film, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience for people across the world.

6. Who are some of the key contributors to the film?
The heart of the film lies in the voices of Swinford’s people, past and present. Key contributors include local historians, musicians and community members who shared their personal experiences. Sadly, five of these contributors passed away before the film was completed. Their voices, memories and perspectives are now preserved in All Our Yesterdays, ensuring that their legacy continues for future generations.

7. How was the music selected for the film?
Music plays a crucial role in All Our Yesterdays, helping to shape its emotional depth and historical resonance. The soundtrack blends traditional Irish music with contemporary compositions, carefully chosen to reflect the film’s themes and key historical moments. Steven Doherty’s arrangements add richness to the storytelling, particularly in the sections covering the War of Independence and the Civil War. The late Conor Walsh’s music also features prominently, bringing an evocative and cinematic quality to the film. Additionally, composer Alannah Thornburgh’s work enhances the emotional depth of the documentary, weaving modern sounds with echoes of the past.

8. What impact do you hope the film will have on audiences?
I hope All Our Yesterdays instills a sense of pride in Swinford’s history and encourages people to appreciate the power of storytelling in preserving local heritage. For those with roots in Swinford, I want the film to serve as a reminder of where they come from. For others, I hope it sparks a connection to the universal themes of home, identity, and
resilience. Above all, I want this documentary to keep the voices and memories of those who contributed alive, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.

9. Where can people watch All Our Yesterdays?
The film screened on October 26th, 2024, at Féile na Samhna in Swinford’s Gateway Hotel. I am currently seeking a distribution company to bring All Our Yesterdays to a wider audience through festivals, screenings and digital platforms.
For updates on future screenings or availability, people can follow our official channels or contact me directly.

For press inquiries, interviews, or screening
opportunities, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 +353 872660241
🌍 www.breegerowleyeditor.com