Purple Foxglove Films is a partnership formed by Tommy Hughes and Joe McDermott to produce documentary films and other media productions.
To date, Purple Foxglove Films has produced 4 documentary films:
- “Old Port to Newport” – historical documentary recounting the story of Newport, Co. Mayo, from its origin as the old port of Burrishoole, to the town in present day
- “Belcarra Remembers 1916” – historical “docudrama” celebrating the connection between Belcarra, Co. Mayo, and the events of 1916.
- “My House, A House of Prayer” – historical documentary telling the story of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Newport, Co. Mayo
- “The West Mayo Flying Column in The War of Independence” – historical documentary telling the story of the West Mayo Flying Column, the Active Service Unit of the West Mayo Brigade of the IRA, during the War of Independence.
Tommy Hughes
Director of “Old Port to Newport” Tommy Hughes is a highly experienced camera man who edits and produces his own work. He has filmed many events in Mayo over a number of years, including “The Belcarra Eviction.” He has also filmed and directed “The Father Manus Sweeney Story.” Among his other achievements Tommy has also directed and edited a documentary about the history of Ballintubber GAA club. He has successfully produced a triple DVD of “The Chambers Clan Reunion” in 2012. Tommy and Joe have collaborated in producing “Old Port to Newport,” their first historical documentary.
Joe McDermott
Scriptwriter and presenter of “Old Port to Newport”, Joe McDermott is the author of a number of hiking guide books such as The Western Way, The Bangor Trail, and The Foxford Way. Author of the history of St. Mary’s Hospital Castlebar, Joe is also the creator of a number of hiking trail Apps for iPhone and android in conjunction with Mayo Co. Council. Joe scripted, narrated and directed “The Belcarra Eviction” in 2001, also scripted and narrated “The Father Manus Sweeney Story” for a 1998 re-enactment, under the direction of Tommy Hughes.