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