Trim to bestow civic honour on Mel Gibson

Trim has finally decided, after over 15 years, to attempt to capitalise on its connections with Mel Gibson and his Oscar-winning 'Braveheart' movie. Last week, Trim Town Council agreed to bestow the Freedom of Trim on the Australian-born actor and invite him to take part in an inaugural hot air balloon fiesta and medieval banquet in the town this year. The plan was proposed by Cllr Gerry Reilly, who said 2010 will be the 16th anniversary of the filming of 'Braveheart' in Trim, an event that put Trim on the worldwide map and still brings tourists to the town. The news will surely delight former town councillor Peter Crinion, who was beating the 'Braveheart' drum for many years before his move to Gibson's native Australia. Cllr Reilly described Trim as the hot air ballooning capital of Ireland. "2010 is also the 225th anniversary of the first aviation flight in Ireland which was by balloon. An international special shapes hot air balloon festival will take place in Trim over the Easter weekend," he said. Cllr Reilly said the fiesta directors wanted to invite Mel Gibson to attend the event and to honour him at the first annual medieval banquet which will take place as part of the fiesta. "I feel his association with Trim and with Ireland is very important to us and his presence as guest of honour would evoke and reinforce the link between Trim Castle and 'Braveheart' and would contribute enormously to tourism in the town in the future," Cllr Reilly added. "Who would have thought that the film would lead to such success internationally, and win so many Oscar nominations and awards?" Cllr Reilly asked. "We should tap into that publicity." He pointed to Cong in Co Mayo which has long taken advantage of its location in the making of the 1952 move 'The Quiet Man', a classic starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Cllr Ray Butler seconded the proposal. Trim might be in luck, if they talk nicely to the Hollwood superstar. In February 2008, he told the audience at the Irish Film and Television Awards that he now had an Irish passport. He was accepting the 'Outstanding Contribution To World Cinema' award at the ceremony, which paid tribute to his work in this country filming 'Braveheart', shot on location in Trim, Bective and Dunsany, as well as at The Curragh. "I remember that time with a great deal of fondness," he said. "I have great memories of the time here and all the men and women who worked with me and helped me achieve my vision." Gibson said that many who were with him at the time were fledglings, who are now veteran in camerawork and other aspects of filmmaking, which was gratifying for him. He said he was very moved by the honour, and was sure his late mother, who had Longford roots, was also very proud. 'Braveheart' was filmed in the county in 1994, employing hundreds of locals as extras. Gibson played Scottish hero William Wallace, with Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan, Peter Hanly and Brendan Gleeson among the cast. During filming, then Trim Urban Council chairman, Larry Murray, made a presentation of a painting of Trim Castle to the actor and director. Released in 1995, the movie scooped five Academy Awards the following year, for best picture, director (Gibson), cinematography, sound effects editing and makeup. The Trim Hot Air Balloon Fiesta committee has welcomed the council decision to bestow the honour of Freeman of Trim on Gibson and to invite him back to receive this honour during the Trim Easter Fiesta, which will be held from 2nd to 5th April next. The aim of the Trim Balloon Fiesta committee is to build upon Trim's status as the hot air ballooning capital of Ireland by establishing the event as a major regular festival within the national calendar for the Easter weekend break. "The filming of scenes from 'Braveheart' in 1994 afforded a tremendous once-off opportunity to share the beauty and heritage of Trim with the world and the Trim Balloon Fiesta aims to do likewise from 2010 onwards on a regular basis," fiesta spokesperson Pauline Baker said. She added that the Trim Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be one of the most spectacular and colourful events ever to come to Ireland, with stunning special shape hot air balloons, some 150 feet tall. The festival will include lots of other family fun activities, including Easter egg hunts, daft raft races on the river, model hot air balloons, workshops and carnival activities. The Balloon Fiesta Committee is a voluntary group representing local tourism and business interests and ballooning experts. It includes hot air balloon world record holder Pauline Baker, as well as Geraldine Duignan, Tommy Lenihan, Aidan Murphy, David O'Brien, Jillian O'Brien, Gerard Reilly and Malcolm White.