Proposed TV series will feature life of Dan Donnelly

A TV drama series currently in the works will feature strongly on the life story of pugilist Dan Donnelly, writes Brian Byrne.

Called 'The Liberties', the series concept is set in Dublin around 1810, and will include several other true characters from the period, including Daniel O'Connell, the infamous 'madam' Peg Plunket and the Kellys from Kildare — Capt William Kelly and siblings.

In a strong teaser proof of concept (above) produced by the promoters, Moe Dunford plays Dan Donnelly. It was put together by Greenhorn Films, in association with 925 Productions and Failsafe Films. 'The Liberties' tells the stories of siblings William, Mary and Pondersbury Kelly, members of the landed gentry class whose family had previously converted to Protestantism to hold onto their land and title. The life of Dan Donnelly and his links with the Kellys, provide the core story of Season 1.

Patrick Myler, biographer of Donnelly, is meeting with the producers for the project. He himself was born and raised in the Liberties. "It's an exciting project and I have been most impressed with what I have learned so far," he told the Diary. "Let's hope it comes off."

The proof was directed by Brian Durnin from a script by Pierce Ryan and Jamie Hannigan and produced by Laura McNicholas, John Murnaghan and Brian Durnin for Greenhorn Films and Gary Moore for Red Rage Films.



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