President unveils Braveheart display in Trim

Almost two decades after it was the setting for the film ‘Braveheart’, Trim finally recognised this by erecting a movie information display on Castle Street, which was unveiled by President Michael D Higgins.
The President, who was in town for a Swift Satire Festival event, was delighted to carry out this duty as he was the minister for arts responsible for the movie coming to Ireland at the time. The permanent information display was one of the objectives of the Chamber of Commerce’s five-year tourist plan overseen by its president, Noel French, with the idea promoted by the current council chairman, Cllr James O’Shea.

The photographs from the shooting of the movie on the display were taken by local men Peter Crinion and John Magee.
President Higgins recalled that it was a wonderful time to be minister for arts, culture and the Gaeltacht, with Albert Reynolds’ government very committed to film.
And he said that Mel Gibson was always very appreciative of the welcome given to the filmmakers by the people of Trim, day and night.
“He was very impressed by the interest, cooperation and reception he got from the people of Trim,” President Higgins explained.
“I met Mel Gibson a few months ago and he still talks about his Irish filming experience, and he says he would come back,” President Higgins, who was accompanied by his wife, Sabina, added.