MAY IT PLEASE THE CROWD ...... Mel Gibson delighted his fans as he attended a concert with the Irish Philharmonic Orchestra and guests in the Festival Big Top, Peterstown, Trim for the King John Prom on Friday Night.PHOTOs: ENDA CASEY.

GALLERY: Event organisers hail success of Braveheart 30th anniversary party in Trim

Published: Thu 14 Aug 2025, 11:48 AM

Hollywood legend Mel Gibson sent the town of Trim into a frenzy last weekend as he made a surprise appearance at celebrations marking 30 years since Braveheart was filmed in the historic town.

Locals were already gearing up for a blockbuster weekend of music, talks and medieval mayhem, but when word got out that the man behind William Wallace himself was coming, the excitement went into overdrive.

Event organiser Eric Lawlor could hardly believe it when Gibson confirmed just two weeks before the festivities. “We were planning this event without Mel coming and a lot of work went into it since January,” he said. “We were organising the programme, the orchestra arrangements and speakers. Then two weeks ago, Mel confirmed that he was coming and that changed the whole dynamic of the operation. There were people ringing me that I didn't even know existed!”

An Gobha from Bohermeen presented Mel Gibson with a hand crafter Saint Brigid's Cross with Cathaoirleach Meath County Council, Wayne Harding. An Gobha said later it was to thank Mel for Braveheart thirty years on, a movie we still love here in the heart of The Boyne Valley, Ancient Eastern Ireland, while Cllr. Harding thanked Mel for his visit and all the time he has invested in Coun ty Meath over the Prom weekend. He also congratulated Festival director, Eric Lawlor on what was an epic weekend for Trim, MEath and indeed Ireland. The visit to Trim by Mr. Gibson has made international news headlines. Photo by ENDA CASEY

And the Hollywood A-lister didn’t disappoint. “Everybody enjoyed themselves, it was a great show and Mel Gibson arriving was icing on the cake! Mel was very generous with his time, he was a thorough gentleman,” Lawlor revealed.

In a moment that will make Braveheart fans weak at the knees, Lawlor himself even shared breakfast with the star. “I was lucky enough to have breakfast with him on the Saturday morning and we talked about everything and anything and we discussed the plan for the day and he was happy to do whatever we needed.”

For Eric, the film has a deep personal connection. His late brother Sean played Malcolm Wallace, father of Gibson’s character, while his cousin Peter Hanly portrayed Edward, Prince of Wales.

Hollywood actor, producer and director, Mr. Mel Gibson spoke pasionately about Trim and the making of the Braveheart Movie in Ireland 30 years ago. He also spoke very emotionally and fondly about his late friend and legendary composer, James Horner who wrote the unforgettable music for Braveheart. Photo by ENDA CASEY

The weekend, which Lawlor first dreamed up during a walk through Trim’s scenic Porchfields during the Covid lockdowns, was also a chance to showcase the town. “It was an opportunity to showcase Trim and what it has to offer which was the whole idea,” he said. “There were people leaving the hotel yesterday wanting to know the dates for next year because they wanted to come back!"

GALLERY: Friday night at the King John Summer Prom

Gibson himself was blown away by the warm welcome. “He couldn’t stop talking about it on the way back to the airport,” the event organiser added.

“He said it was the best weekend he has had in a long time.”