A NEW documentary which focuses on the life of 100-year-old Mabel Wallace from Shinrone will be shown in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre next month.

Local filmmaker Nicholas Ryan Purcell has documented the popular woman's life in a feature-length documentary called “100 Years of Change.”

Using details from interviews and archival material Nicholas successfully brings to life an era long gone. This is a sometimes poignant documentary which celebrates a life fully lived. “It focusses on a resilient woman,” says Nicholas, “who inspires us.”

Many topics are discussed during the film, drawing back the veil on a world of decades ago, a world which feels very different indeed. For example she recalls the old agricultural methods, such as a horse-drawn reaper and binder pulled by horses, making butter and watching a neighbour making bread in an open hearth fire. She also talks about learning essential household methods in school such as sewing and cooking, the significance of the Birr to Roscrea railway line (including loading cattle at the Sharavogue siding), and getting on the train at Brosna station near Shinrone.

Throughout the decades Mable has engaged in extensive community work, including being involved with Meals on Wheels and Daffodil Day.

The Church of Ireland tradition in the rural parish of Shinrone is discussed, as well as experiencing the thrill of the Ormond Hunt and the exhilarating world of point-to-point racing.

'100 Years of Change' will be screened in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday, September 8 starting at 7pm. Because of a big demand for tickets there will also be a second screening: on Sunday September 10, at 7pm in Birr Theatre.