Our Boys 1981

Director Cathal Black worked with Dermot Healy to create a stinging critique of Christian Brothers' day schools. While critically acclaimed, the film was kept from Irish televisions until 1991. 

Cathal Black's Our Boys was one of the first Irish films to deal directly with clerical child abuse. It premiered at the 1981 Cork Film Festival and went on to receive international acclaim.

Our Boys programme, courtesy of the Irish Film Institute

Cathal Black speaks about the impetus behind the making of Our Boys, and the difficulties faced by parents who challenged the abuse of children in Irish schools.

In Our Boys, the father of Hugh O'Brien attempts to make a complaint about a beating his son has received at school.

Black speaks about Our Boys' use of interview footage with survivors of clerical child abuse.

Tony McMahon speaks about his experience of child abuse at school in Our Boys.

Black recalls interviewing Christian Brother John C. Moore as part of Our Boys.

Christian Brother John C. Moore is interviewed in Our Boys.

Cathal Black press release, 1991, courtesy of the Irish Film Institute

In 1991, Our Boys was screened on RTÉ television, ten years after its premiere.

In 2023, Black reflected on the delayed broadcast of Our Boys.

RTÉ was one of the film’s major sponsors; one wonders if they will have the courage to show it.

Cian Ó hÉigeartaigh, Sunday Tribune, 1981. 

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A Week in the Life of Martin Cluxton 1971

Director Brian MacLochlainn collaborated with Caoimhín Ó Marcaigh to co-script the first television drama that cast a critical eye on Ireland's industrial schools. Not everyone was pleased with this, however.
Next

States of Fear 1999

Producer Mary Raftery faced significant opposition when creating the three-part documentary series that provoked a state apology to survivors of industrial schools. States of Fear researcher Sheila Ahern explains further. 
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