Inside the history of one of NI's ‘happiest and most beautiful' pubs and why ‘the original bar has to stay'
Writer John McGahern once described Blakes of The Hollow in Co Fermanagh as 'one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland'.
The author of Amongst Women and The Dark wiled away many an hour in its cosy snugs before his death in 2006.
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Belfast Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Inside the history of one of NI's ‘happiest and most beautiful' pubs and why ‘the original bar has to stay'
Laura McDaid speaks to the owners of a Co Fermanagh bar popular with well-known faces and locals alike Writer John McGahern once described Blakes of The Hollow in Co Fermanagh as 'one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland'. The author of Amongst Women and The Dark wiled away many an hour in its cosy snugs before his death in 2006.
Belfast Telegraph
12-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘We hope Blakes remains a constant on the Enniskillen townscape for hundreds of years to come'
Laura McDaid speaks to the owners of a Co Fermanagh bar popular with well-known faces and locals alike Writer John McGahern once described Blakes of The Hollow in Co Fermanagh as 'one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland'. The author of Amongst Women and The Dark wiled away many an hour in its cosy snugs before his death in 2006.
ITV News
02-07-2025
- ITV News
ITV COMMISSIONS SERIAL KILLER THRILLER, THE DARK, SET IN THE WILDS OF RURAL SCOTLAND, ADAPTED BY MATT HARTLEY AND PRODUCED BY POISON PEN STUDIOS
ITV's Director of Drama, Polly Hill has commissioned a six-part series, The Dark, based upon GR Halliday's debut novel, From the Shadows, adapted by Matt Hartley and produced by Poison Pen Studios, part of ITV Studios. The Dark marks Poison Pen's second commission for ITV since launching in January 2023. Commented Polly Hill: ' The Dark is a compelling new drama which introduces the fearless DI Monica Kennedy, who has to try and catch a serial killer in this really chilling Scottish story. Matt's adaptation is brilliantly gripping and I am delighted to be adapting this novel with him and the team at Poison Pen.' Commented Ben Stephenson: ' The Dark is a gripping hide behind the sofa thriller with unguessable twists and a central character whose mysterious past gives her an extraordinary insight into a twisted killer as well as an overpowering empathy for those left in the killer's wake.' When the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the idyllic Scottish wilderness, detective Monica Kennedy fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community. As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realise that there is a serial killer hidden amongst them. With her experience of dealing with the darkest of humanity Monica Kennedy quickly becomes entangled in a heightened game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer. Only she can stop this monster before he claims any more victims. But when her own history creeps up on her, she begins to lose trust in her own judgement. Will it be her own actions that are the biggest risk to herself and her family Commented Matt Hartley: 'ITV is home to some of the most iconic detective shows, so it is an honour to be writing The Dark and adding to that great cannon of work. I am hugely grateful to Polly Hill for her faith in me and excited to be working with her, alongside the brilliant producers at Poison Pen, to bring this new, distinctive crime thriller to life. I can't wait for viewers to meet the inimitable DI Monica Kennedy and to journey into the dark with her.' The book's author, GR Halliday, is pleased with Matt's adaptation and the commitment of Poison Pen Studios. Commented GR Halliday: 'I'm so thrilled and excited that Monica and co are coming to the screen! With so much talent on board I know Matt and the Poison Pen team will do an amazing job in bringing the story, characters and Scottish landscape to life.' Poison Pen's Ben Stephenson, Preethi Mavahalli, Luke Woellhaf and Fern McCauley will executive produce alongside Matt Hartley. Matt Brown will be producing the series which also has Lena Rae and Nessah Muthy writing and Gilles Bannier as lead Director and Executive Producer. The Dark is supported by the National Lottery through Screen Scotland. The Dark will commence filming in and around Glasgow during 2025 and is produced in association with ITV Studios, who will also distribute the series internationally.
