WHEN you’re a scriptwriter whose latest TV series is an irreverent take on the 1916 Rising, it throws you a little when you meet your director for the first time and realise he’s a descendant of one of the most celebrated fighters to die at the GPO.

Room, Sing Street, and My Name is Emily look set to be the big winners at the Irish Film and Television Awards (Iftas) as they have bagged eight nominations apiece.

IRISH soap stars took to the sea ahead of their appearance on the catwalk to raise vital funds for lifeboats over the weekend.