‘In Laois I fly free’ video launched today

IN LAOIS I FLY FREE

A GROUP OF LOCAL ARTISTS COLLABORATE ON AN EPIC TRIBUTE TO LAOIS

Inspired by the history, mythology and beauty of Laois, Portlaoise-based poet Laura Murphy has composed a powerful tribute to the county, ‘In Laois I Fly Free’ which will be launched online on Tuesday 4^th January 2022.  In collaboration with three Laois-based artists: cinematographer Terry Byrne; musician Dale McKay; and vocalist Roo Elizabeth, this video poem is set to a haunting soundscape and complimented by cinematic scenes of the local landscape. 

Laura Murphy said: 

“I’ve spent a lot of my life being reminded that the best things about Laois are either the prison or the road out of it. Like everywhere, Laois has its bad points, but there is also incredible beauty and magic about the place. Laois is synonymous with captivity, but when I was landlocked in Laois during lockdown I realised that freedom is a state of mind that can be experienced anywhere and in any circumstance.”

‘In Laois I Fly Free’ was filmed at the Rock of Dunamase, Slieve Bloom Mountains, Oughaval Woods and Portlaoise. The poem, soundscape and video work together to bring forth the golden threads of magic that run through Laois’s ancient past and present alike. An evocative and inspiring piece that is sure to stir the people of Laois and beyond. This new artwork was awarded a Made in Laois (co-create) grant as part of the Creative Ireland Laois programme in 2021. 

Told from the perspective of an ordinary Laois girl – Laura Murphy, the poem juxtaposes things that are grim and great about Laois. The viewer/listener is taken on a journey from the well-known ‘negative’ associations of Laois to the lesser known ‘positive’ aspects. 

The poem opens with a representation of the perceived insignificance of the county followed by the stark revelation that Laois is both the place from which the British empire began and the place from which it began to fall. 

The listener is taken to a time when the Slieve Blooms were the highest and oldest mountains in Europe. The poem goes deeper still into a time before time when the mythical hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill was born in Ballyfin and grew into one of Ireland’s greatest warriors in these very mountains.   

Laura Murphy explained:

“Legend holds that Fionn Mac Cumhaill never died. He sleeps and will awake again at a time of

Ireland’s great need. Fionn’s archetypal energies of wisdom, purity, courage and truth are needed now more than ever. This poem is also an ode to the awakening of these qualities in our own hearts. And a reminder that Fionn was a proud Laois man.” 

The poem takes us to the Rock of Dunamase where the poet explores how her connection to this place awakens something primal in her. A visceral reclamation of all that was lost through patriarchy, colonial and religious conquest happens, as we see the image of an unapologetic Sile-na-Gig replace a shamed biblical Eve. The energy of Dunamase sparks an ancient remembrance of the power of the feminine spirit and a re-establishment of a more reverent connection with nature. 

Co-producer, Sandy Middleton said

“One of the reasons we have lost our way in the world today is because we have lost our connection to the Feminine. Unless we restore our connection to nature and begin to truly honour the Feminine, our trail of destruction will continue to blaze.”

The group of collaborators are united by a shared love of Laois, each bringing their unique creativity and essence to craft this artwork, and cinematographer Terry Byrne said:

“I am delighted to be involved with the creation of ‘In Laois I Fly Free’. It is quite an epic collaboration of well-crafted spoken word by Laura Murphy, utilising our local landscape in the visual story. It has a stirring soundtrack arranged and performed by fellow Music Generation Laois colleague Dale McKay and features ethereal vocals from Roo Elizabeth.” 

This new artwork will be launched and available to view from 4^th January, 2022 on Instagram @everose and @creativeirelandlaois, and YouTube – search ‘Laura Murphy, In Laois I Fly Free’ 

Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Information on Creative Ireland Laois 2022 grants schemes including the ‘Made in Laois (co-create) scheme will be available early in 2022 at www.laois.ie and Creative Ireland Laois social media platforms.