Munster Express Online

A documentary about surfing in Ireland will be broadcast on TG4 this Saturday (6pm), featuring former Irish champion John McCarthy from Tramore.

‘Mac’ has been surfing since he was 10 and is one of Ireland’s ‘big wave’ pioneers. He was one of the driving forces of the group of surfers and bodyboarders that first surfed Ireland’s giant wave at Aill na Searrach off the Cliffs of Moher in October 2005 along with his tow-in partners Dave Blount, Mickey Smith, Rusty Long Robin Kent and Danny Wall. John later christened the wave ‘Aileens’ and the rest as they say is history. He now runs the Lahinch Surf School in Lahinch, Co Clare.

Ken O’Sullivan’s debut documentary includes stunning shoots of the Irish surfing hotspots including Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Rosses Point and Bundoran.

‘Sea Fever’ was filmed over the course of two years to capture the mood of Irish surfing throughout the seasons. It’s an insight into the surf culture that has developed in Ireland over the last 40 years.

Featuring dramatic footage of ‘Aileens’ (Aill na Searrach) and close-up interviews with the troubadour surfers that brave these 40-50ft waves, the film also talks to Kevin Cavey and the early pioneers of the 1960s and ’70s with their rudimentary equipment and spirit of adventure.

Also see www seafever.ie