Bergin takes a shot at Cork location

PATRICK BERGIN is the latest big Hollywood name to join the star-studded cast of a movie being shot in Cork later this month.

The star of big screen hits like Sleeping with the Enemy and Patriot Games, Mr Bergin signed the deal with screenwriter and director, Mark Mahon, to appear in his movie Strength and Honour.

Filming will start in Cork city and county later this month.

Comedian Pat Shortt and musician Finbarr Furey are also set to make appearances in the movie alongside Reservoir Dogs star Michael Madsen, Hollywood icon Richard Chamberlain, and former soccer hardman-turned-actor Vinnie Jones.

Some of the lead actors will be in Cork next week to visit locations being used in the film.

The movie tells the story of a retired boxer who decides to step back into the ring for one last fight to help save his sick son’s life.

Mr Mahon said he was delighted Bergin agreed to star in his film.

The Hollywood actor will appear along with between 150 and 200 Leesiders who were successful at open auditions for extras, held in the city recently, which attracted up to 600 people.

Mr Mahon, 33, from Rochestown, is one of Hollywood’s rising screen writing talents.

Up to 35 crew members working on the mini-budget Maron Pictures project are now in full pre-production.

Principal photography will start in Cork on September 18.

Filming will be done over a six-week period at various well-known locations including Kinsale, Cork Airport and Cork University Hospital, the Mardyke, Rochestown and in the city centre.

The project is being backed by a number of independent investors from Cork including HLB Nathans and solicitor Olan Kelleher.