The Cathach of Fionnán (2023)

The Story begins with when a signal event triggers an ancient apocalyptic prophecy hidden in an early Irish Monk's manuscript. A legendary artifact, held in trust, resurfaces once again in a time of need. An epic quest fraught with danger is undertaken to the roof of Ireland as time runs out..... "The Cathach of Fionnán" feature length action adventure film is the first of a planned series where a prophecy based quest begins in Ireland and follows the seven sacred sites known as the Michael Axis all the way to the gates of Hell itself. Plot. Niamh is a student of Professor D'Arcy at Trinity College where she studies Ancient Medieval History and Culture. During the Covid Pandemic lock down she sees an RTE news report from Kerry where locals have once again turned to a Holy Well of St Fionnán for hope and prayer. The name resonates with her as she has covered this Saint in her course with "The Battle of the Book" the 6th C quarrel between St Fionnán and St Colmcille. Ringing her Professor in excitement they agree to meet once restrictions allow it. The Professor realizes the Covid Pandemic is the sign that the conditions are aligning to awaken an ancient prophecy of the Fallen Angels and time is now of the essence. Meanwhile in Belarus a former student of Professor D'Arcy and former Irish Ranger Joel has retrieved some artifacts on his instruction and is being pursued before returning to Ireland. Under the guidance of Professor D'Arcy both students join forces to uncover the truth behind "The Battle of the Book" and the greater prophecy of the Michael Axis. The Professor's non-academic interests and memberships of secret oath bound societies places both Niamh and Joel in great danger and despair in their pursuit of his instructions culminating in a thrilling finale with an unexpected twist. Written , directed and filmed by award winning filmmaker Jason O'Fionnáin "The Cathach of Fionnán" stars Sophia Levie and Barry Malone in the lead roles with executive producer Bartle D'Arcy also featuring as Professor D'Arcy. The film was shot in 2022 on location all over Ireland including the Royal Irish Academy, Trinity College, Clonmacnoise, Clonard, Monastic Fore, Mullingar Fleadh and Mayo National Park. Particular highlights included filming at St Fionánn's Bay, on the island of Skellig Michael and on the summit of Ireland's Highest Mountain Carauntoohil. "The Battle of the Book" springs forth from the pages of History via the expert animation of John Corrigan. Currently in post production and distribution negotiation. Further Information: AN CATHACH (The Battler) The Earliest Surviving Manuscript Written in Ireland by its true owner St. Finnian (Fionnán) is the Oldest Surviving Irish Manuscript of the Psalter, and the Earliest Recorded Historical Case-Law on copyright known today as The Cathach of St. Columba (Colum Cille) (The Cathach/The Psalter of St. Columba) a late sixth century or early early seventh century Irish Psalter, of which 58 leaves of the original circa 110 leaves survive, was traditionally associated with the copy "made at night in haste by a miraculous light" by St. Columba of a Psalter loaned to him by St. Finnian (Fionnáin) of Clonard and Aghowle and Skellig. St. Finnian (Fionnán) disputed Columba's right to take or keep the copy, and King Diarmait Mac Cerbhaill attempted to settle the dispute by making the judgment 'To every cow belongs her calf, therefore to every book belongs its copy'. The arbitration failed and the controversy led to the battle of Cúl Dreimne in AD 561, where an alliance of northern tribes defeated King Diarmait. St Columba left Ireland after his master's death and went to Iona in AD 563, perhaps exiled as punishment/his penance for the lives lost in the battle.