Munster Express Online

A new documentary, which is directed by RoseAnn Foley and presented by her sister, Catherine, recalls Tyrone Power’s matinée star status in film in this the centenary year of his birth. The film explores his allure, the tragedy of his short life and his strong connections to Waterford. The Hollywood heart-throb, who was born in 1914, had strong ancestral ties with Waterford. In this programme, presenter Catherine Foley, examines his life and times, his links with Ireland and the notion that she might be related to him, since her paternal grandmother was also a Power from the same area and the story of Tyrone Power being a cousin has been in her family for years. In the programme, Catherine sets out to unravel the story of Power’s ancestors.

When the star came to Dublin for the making of the film “The  Rising of the Moon” in 1957, he took time out to visit the Co Waterford village. It’s said he was disappointed that no-one recognised him apart from the local postman Michael Murphy who came out to get his autograph. Tyrone went back to Dublin to finish the film. The postman’s son Seán Ó Murchú recalls the meeting in this new documentary. He also recalls the exuberant reaction to the local screening of The Rising of the Moon, where Power announces proudly that his folk came from a small village in Southern Ireland called Kilmacthomas.