The mid-week movie on RTE last night was replaced with something rather special as Alex Fegan's documentary 'Older than Ireland' was shown. It was first released in cinemas almost two years ago to critical acclaim, with The New York Times describing it as 'simply beautiful'.
That it is, and Irish viewers were very taken with it last night, as you can see from the reaction below.
For those that didn't watch, it told the story of a hundred years of life as seen through the eyes of thirty Irish centenarians. Sometimes funny, often poignant, and filled with fantastic characters, Older than Ireland couldn't help but touch something within all of us.
Oh and Bessie! We heart Bessie.
Bessie Nolan, now 105 is undoubtedly one of the crowd favourites in #OlderThanIreland. You're about to see why. pic.twitter.com/dpf2qo3377
— Darragh Doyle (@darraghdoyle) August 31, 2016
103 with a fag, loving this already.#olderthanireland
— martinmcmahon (@williamhboney1) August 31, 2016
'Got a cheque from yer man, Michael D. Sure we spent it on the party' - absolutely loving #olderthanireland
— Catherine Halloran (@popcornhack) August 31, 2016
#olderthanireland ah lads watch it, tís wonderful glimpse into where we came from, strong people even now
— Mary Anderson (@molltrot) August 31, 2016
Glad to finally catch #OlderThanIreland on RTE1 - "I never ate a vegetable in my life" #TisAllAheadOfUs
— Maria Brosnan (@brosie8) August 31, 2016
Advertised
Ah lads, bawling already. Love this #olderthanireland
— Ann Gleeson (@GleesonAnn) August 31, 2016
. @olderireland is probably my favourite Irish production in years - everyone needs to see it #olderthanireland
— Seán Cannon-Earley (@seanearley) August 31, 2016
this one is hilarious 😂😂 what a beautful person!! #olderthanireland pic.twitter.com/5KiypkNWBv
— CROSSY (@CrossyTweets) August 31, 2016
So glad so many are watching and enjoying #olderthanireland tonight.
Beautiful stuff.
— Jim Nugent (@JimJimNugent) August 31, 2016
Enchanted by the very stylish Bessie Nolan, aged 104, who still smokes her Superkings in #olderthanireland tonight. Brilliant television.
— Tom Doorley (@tomdoorley) August 31, 2016
One of the finest RTE documentaries in a long time, Bessie is my hero ðŸ'🻠#olderthanireland https://t.co/x0lYtUEwkx
— Jules Mahon (@jules_mahon) September 1, 2016
Show #olderthanireland in every school. Help young people understand & respect our wonderful older generation. (I intend to be one!)
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) August 31, 2016
A big "Awww" in our house when they said some of the stars of #OlderThanIreland have passed away since the programme was made. RIP
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) August 31, 2016
