Bridget

The Fionn MacCumhaill players present a new short film telling the life story of Bridget Cleary who died violently in 1895 in Ballyvadlea near Cloneen, Tipperary at the hands of her husband Michael. Bridget, a young seamstress from Ballyvadlea in the parish of Drangan/Cloneen, became ill in March 1895 and her husband, believing her to be a changeling, convinced the family, including her father, that she had been taken by the fairies.

Using herbs and potions from a local herbalist Bridget was forced to drink the concoctions and was tortured by using a red-hot poker by her husband as he tried to rid her from the spell and bring his wife back. Michael eventually cracked on 15th March and burned her to death in a fit of rage. This film aims to bring some vindication for Bridget who was treated badly in life – and indeed in death. No marker was ever put on her grave – she was buried late at night by four RIC officers with no mourners.

Michael Cleary was convicted of manslaughter and her family all served time in prison.

+ Q&A with Anne Williamson and Brian Clancy