Don Baker's memories of Daingean reformatory features in new TV show
Musician Don Baker's memories of the notorious Daingean reformatory features in a new TG4 show, kicking off next Wednesday at 9.30pm.
Filmed over 12 months by Galway’s Tua Films and presented by RTE’s courts correspondent, Orla O’Donnell, 'Finné' is a warts and all re-telling of riveting first-person testimonies.
'Finné' delves deep and narrow into one person’s story rather than giving a general overview of these events that made the news over the past 40 years. Here, the show recounts intimate stories of triumphs and traumas, of Davids and Goliaths, of dogged resilience and human frailties.
Previous seasons were awarded the Human Rights Justice Media Award and the Best series at the Celtic Media Festival.
Episode two centres on blues musician and Trim resident Don Baker who runs Brogan's Bar in the town, who had a challenging upbringing in the Dublin tenements of the 1960s, where he resorted to petty crime and eventually ended up in the notorious Daingean Reformatory School in Offaly.
He struggled with addiction throughout his life despite tremendous success as an actor and musician.
Now at 70, he reflects on his career with a wisdom that only the distance of time can bring.
“Every year we look for stories that have not been explored in detail by Irish documentaries, but are enhanced by being viewed through a contemporary lens. Many of us will remember the eco-warriors protest in the Glen of the Downs or the tragedy of the Stardust fire, but it’s by delving into the personal stories of these ‘witnesses’ do we really see how these events still resonate today.” says Tua Films’ Paddy Hayes, series producer.
“Finné allows each individual the time and the freedom to tell their raw and powerful stories in their own words, and to shine the light of truth upon them.”
This six 60-minute original production promises gripping and rare insights into these extraordinary stories as told through the eyes of those still bearing the scars and living with the consequences. It reinforces TG4’s reputation for fresh, bold programming featuring extraordinary Irish stories.