The Boys and Girl from County Clare disappoints

The Boys and Girl from County Clare

Director: John Irvin

Cast: Colin Meaney, Bernard Hill, Andrea Corr, Shaun Evans

Cert: 15

It’s the middle l960s and two brothers, decidedly not on speaking terms, come reluctantly together to compete in a music final.

This with a load of baggage from their troubled past: the one a stay-at-home farmer, the other a cad who took off to England after seducing his brother’s girl.

The basic plotline of a sadly disappointing film revolves around each one’s efforts to wreck the chances of the other.

Where the film falls down is the image of Ireland it conveys - albeit the 60s - and in some dire performances, particularly from Corr who doesn’t seem able to enlist our support.

One always likes to support local films, many of which have been outstanding in recent years, but the best that might be offered on behalf of the boys and girl is that it means well, but doesn’t follow through.

Star Rating: 1/5