Telling the story of the potato through music, song, and dance

Agriland

01-06-2025

Renowned Irish musician and producer Tommy Hayes' latest project, 'The Garden Where The Praties Grow' is a cinematic story of the potato and its lasting impact on Irish culture told through traditional Irish music, song, and dance.
The premiere of the film will take place on July 1 hosted by the Blas Summer School at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick, launched by Professor Helen Phelan. Admission is by invitation and free to students and faculty.
There will also be a screening in Glór, Ennis, Co. Clare on July 15. Admission is €8:00.
Potatoes in Ireland
The poignant Irish story of the potato is explored in this compelling documentary, which intertwines the cultural significance and history of 'praties' in Ireland.
Through traditional Irish music, viewers journey through the struggles and resilience of a nation profoundly shaped by the tragic event of the potato famine.
They discover how the potato, once a staple of daily life, became a symbol of both hardship and hope, resonating deeply within the Irish identity.
Well known as one of the greatest bodhran players of all time, Tommy Hayes has been at the forefront of traditional Irish music for over 30 years.
In a career that has exemplified diversity, he has performed and recorded with most of the great names in traditional music and beyond.
Tommy has been a member of a number of ground-breaking groups during his career, including Stockton's Wing, Puck Fair with Brian Dunning and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Altan, Liam O Flynn and the Pipers Call Band, and the Eileen Ivers Band.
He was the original percussionist for 'Riverdance' and has performed on more than 400 albums.
In the world of film, Tommy has played on numerous film soundtracks, among them 'Titanic', 'The Devil's Own', 'Rob Roy', 'In the Name of the Father', and 'The Field'. He is also a music therapist.
Under Tommy's guidance, 'The Garden Where the Praties Grow' features music, song, and dance that is deeply rooted in Irish folklore and tradition, preserving their legacy through an intimate and immersive recording process.
Joining Tommy in the stellar line-up band are some of Ireland's finest musicians, including: Karan Casey, singer and pipes/flute; Mick O'Brien, harp and concertina; Michelle Mulcahy, singer and flute player; Colm O'Donnell and Carl Corcoran on keys/vocals; and Fergal Scahill, fiddle; Siobhan Butler, dance; and Pat Quinn on guitar and vocals.
Interwoven throughout these performances are interviews with organic potato growers and experts in biodiversity and sustainability, offering a broader perspective on the cultural and historical impact of the potato on the Irish psyche.
Tommy Hayes and Anthony Hughes on location
Filmed and directed by Anthony Hughes, a cinematographer with a background in fine arts, photography, and sculpture, the documentary set out to be visually rich.
Filmed over three days in the original building of the founders of the Irish Seed Savers, Co. Clare, Anthony's keen eye for composition and storytelling shapes the film's striking visual aesthetic, and captures the depth and emotion of the story.
Combined with Anthony's artistic approach to filmmaking is Tommy's understanding of the cultural significance of the music.