Aidan Gillen and Ella Lily Hyland to star new crime drama Tall Tales & Murder
The drama, which stars
Ella Lily Hyland
and
Aidan Gille
n, has been commissioned for two series by
RTÉ
and BBC Northern Ireland in association with Screen Ireland, with the first six-part run due to premiere in 2026.
Tall Tales & Murder has been co-created by Stuart Carolan, the writer and creator of RTÉ's hit gangster series, and Chris Addison, who starred in political satire The Thick of It and has directed episodes of Veep and his Sky comedy Breeders.
The series, which is based on the eight-book Dublin Trilogy series by Caimh McDonnell, will be made for RTÉ and BBC by British production company Avalon in association with Ireland's Metropolitan Pictures.
READ MORE
The one-hour episodes will be directed by Addison and Irish director Neasa Hardiman, with Avalon distributing the show internationally.
Alongside Hyland – the fast-rising star of Netflix's Black Doves – and Gillen, who previously worked with Carolan on Love/Hate, the cast includes Philippa Dunne and Packy Lee.
'I've been a fan of the brilliant Chris Addison since The Thick of It – it's been incredible fun working with him to bring this insane story to life,' said Carolan, the writer and one of the executive producers of Tall Tales & Murder.
Addison, who will executive produce as well as direct, said he was 'frankly giddy with delight to get to team up with the twisted and highly original mind' of Carolan to create the show.
'We've taken Caimh's wonderful novel as a jumping off point and ended up with what I like to think of as a dark and delicious screwball drama.'
David Crean, who was confirmed as RTÉ head of drama this week after previously serving in the role on an interim basis, said the series had gone into production after 'a great development process' with Carolan and Addison.
'The scripts are fantastic, as is the cast. RTÉ is excited to be collaborating with such brilliant broadcast partners to bring this great series to audiences on a national and international stage.'
Eddie Doyle, head of content commissioning for BBC Northern Ireland, described the series as storytelling 'at its darkest, funniest and most surreal', while Rob Aslett, executive producer for Avalon, said the scripts 'created a wildly original crime drama that shines a light on a modern Ireland'.
McDonnell, who was born in Limerick and raised in Dublin, is a former stand-up comedian and television writer who published his first novel in the Dublin Trilogy detective series in 2016.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Kerry GAA club to honour legends of the green and gold
Football is an important part of life in the east Kerry village which is why it makes sense to host a special football celebration in association with its annual Flesk Fest at Barrduff Community Field. All roads lead to Glenflesk on July 17 (8pm) when they honour the rich legacy of Kerry football. This ticket only event brings together legends of the game and the fans for whom their efforts have always been greatly appreciated. It promises to be an unforgettable evening of stories, pride and, of course, reminiscing about the greats of the county who have worn the green-and-gold of Kerry. Among the itinerary is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Kerry's historic 1975 treble of senior, minor and U21 titles – a haul that laid the foundations for a glorious period in Kerry that lasted until 1987. All three captains will be in attendance as Mikey Ned O'Sullivan from Kenmare, Kevin O'Donoghue from Glenflesk, and Robert Bunyan from Ballydonoghue will field questions as part of a 'reeling in the years' evening. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the 2000 All-Ireland champions – a team captained by the one and only Seamus Moynihan from Glenflesk. Seamus was named Man of the Match in the replay win over Galway and he will be joined on the night by fellow teammates to share stories of their journey and triumph. The remarkable achievements of Kerry's historic nine-in-a-row ladies team will also take centre stage in the Flesk Fest Marquee. From 1982 to 1990, the Kingdom's ladies were a dominant force in football. The legendary Mary Jo Curran from Beaufort – holder of 10 All-Ireland medals and 10 All-Stars – continues to inspire as a coach and role model. She will be looking back on that glorious era. Recently retired Kerry star Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh from Corca Dhuibhne will be in attendance to discuss her glorious career that was capped with a senior All-Ireland medal in 2024. The five-time All-Star represents the pinnacle of modern excellence and continues to inspire the next generation of players. The conversations will be steered and hosted by the dynamic duo of Ambrose O'Donovan (1984 Centenary Kerry captain) and Tim Moynihan – the voice of Radio Kerry. The marquee includes a fully licensed bar. Tickets are €15 each with limited availability. Pre booking is advisable. They can be purchased: Online using the following link: By Telephone: 087 9727537.
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Extra.ie
How DJ Carey conned cash from real cancer victim
Shamed hurling legend DJ Carey 'preyed' on a cancer patient during her 'most vulnerable moment' and conned her into giving him thousands of euros after falsely claiming he was suffering from the same disease. The woman's husband claimed Carey, who this week pleaded guilty to 10 charges of defrauding people out of money while pretending to have cancer, 'groomed' the couple as they were trying to cope with their own health crisis. And can reveal it was this couple who first blew the whistle on the five-time All-Ireland winner's heartless scam, whose many victims include the businessman Denis O'Brien. In an interview granted on condition of anonymity, the cancer patient's husband revealed the bombshell moment they realised they were not the only ones conned by Carey. Catriona Carey. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin It was while watching an RTÉ documentary about the former hurler's convicted fraudster sister, Catriona Carey, that they realised others could be swindled unless they did something. The cancer patient's husband told 'There was a Prime Time programme about Catriona Carey on the telly and his MO [modus operandi] seemed to be the same. 'He was so good. You're talking the Talented Mr Ripley here. He was juggling balls and living up a lot. It was a calculated approach. He was so good in his grooming. He was brilliant. It was the work of an artist, and he was consistent even to the end. 'When we saw the programme on the telly we said, 'this has to stop' and we came forward to stop it. We took our responsibilities seriously. And it has stopped. It's not easy to be a whistleblower and to stop fraud. You have to be brave. DJ Carey conned a real cancer victim by pretending he had the same disease. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin 'People giving him money, these were acts of kindness and decency, and it wasn't reciprocated. We didn't come forward ultimately to see him punished or put behind bars. This had nothing to do with retribution. We came forward to stop it, and it has stopped.' DJ Carey is regarded as one of the country's greatest-ever hurlers, winning five All-Ireland titles with Kilkenny and nine All-Stars during a glittering sporting career. On Wednesday, the 54-year-old pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to 10 separate charges of defrauding people by pretending he had cancer. There were initially 21 charges against him, and 30 witnesses were due to give evidence about how they were defrauded over an eight-year period between 2014 and 2022. Dressed in a dark suit, Carey sat at the side of the courtroom and walked to the dock when his case was called. DJ Carey outside the CCJ. Pic: ©Fran Veale He stood with his hands clasped in front of him and replied 'guilty' as the court registrar read out details of each of the 10 charges. Judge Patricia Ryan remanded him on continuing bail for a sentencing hearing to take place on October 29. The court heard that victim-impact statements would be required. Carey's barrister also requested legal aid on behalf of his client to cover a psychological report that may be necessary, saying there were 'certain mental health issues'. Judge Ryan granted the application. Carey was not required to address the court again and left shortly after. No evidence was given this week about how much money the former hurler pocketed. However, some sources familiar with the case believe more than €1m was given to Carey under false pretences. Carey's legal team this week said their client has a 'genuine' heart condition and that he had mental health issues. But until the moment his lawyers indicated Carey would be pleading guilty to the changes, the sportsman had maintained his innocence. The husband of the woman battling a cancer diagnosis who was targeted by Carey said: 'He didn't co-operate until the very end. His legal team said he has a heart condition, and it's a little bit rich because he could have co-operated. He didn't co-operate; he was caught. 'He could have made an attempt to repay people… he was managing the situation right to the end.' The couple who blew the whistle on Carey's fake cancer extortion scam got to know him through business and their shared love of hurling. They were not particularly close, but he made a point of approaching the couple when he learned about their health crisis. The cancer patient's husband recalled: 'My wife was diagnosed with blood cancer in February 2021, and we were completely up the walls to be given a diagnosis. 'We were looking down the barrel of a gun, we didn't know where we were. Between diagnosis and treatment is the worse time. You are really vulnerable. He [Carey] heard about it on the grapevine, and he was Ambassador for Kilkenny Hurling at the time. I was on the field, and he made a beeline for me. 'He knew about the type of cancer my wife has, and he told me: 'That's what I have. There is hope.' He told me he was getting treatment through his elite sports status in the US. 'He mentioned where he was getting treatment in Seattle and a centre in Manchester. 'I wrote all this down in my phone and he asked could he meet my wife. He was extremely convincing. We were groomed and there was preying on our vulnerability.' At the time, the former Kilkenny hurler was living in a luxury home on the grounds of the five-star Mount Juliet Estate, where the woman diagnosed with cancer occasionally frequented. 'A few weeks after meeting him, he met my wife and he mentioned to her about going for a coffee.' Afterwards, her husband said, the text messages started to ping on her phone. Within weeks, she received a message looking for money. The retired sportsman was desperate. He needed urgent treatment. But unless he had money by the weekend, he would lose his slot at an American hospital. Carey assured the cancer patient that his elite sports status cover would kick in at the end of the month, and he assured her he would repay the money then. But once the four-figure sum was transferred, he became elusive. He was in hospital having treatment. He could not talk because he was in hospital. Rest assured, she would get her money when he got home at the weekend. But as the months passed and the money never materialised, the real-life cancer patient became convinced Carey was 'faking' his cancer. Eventually, she threatened to go public unless he paid back the money in full. Her husband said Carey called to the house a short time later with the money. Despite their ordeal, the couple say they are fortunate they were able to recover their money. Others were not so lucky. Although Carey has only pleaded guilty to 10 charges of fraud, the couple's case is among 21 charges Judge Ryan will be asked to consider when sentencing Carey on October 29. Thirteen of his named victims include Denis O'Brien, Noel Tynan, Owen and Ann Conway, Mark and Sharon Kelly, Aidan Mulligan, Tony Griffin and Christy Browne, Thomas Butler, Jeffrey Howes, Edwin Carey and Aonghus Leydon. In spite of the stress Carey caused the couple, the cancer patient's husband said: 'I don't feel any bitterness towards the chap. I don't have any of that in me. We were codded and got our money back. It's a very sad tale. It's the fall of a sporting idol. The man was like a god in Kilkenny. 'I'm sad for him, I'm sad for his kids, I'm sad for his ex-wife. He targeted people who he knew had some money, and the money was given in goodwill and in the belief that his story was true.' The man, who said his wife is responding well to her cancer treatment, added: 'Giving the money was an act of decency, and the breach of trust is greater because we all gave that money to someone we thought was in dire need. Cancer or any fake use of cancer for gain should be off-limits, and he did cross that line. It's shocking. It's despicable to do that.'
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Expect plenty of cribbin' and moanin' as the budget games begin
The budget games are under way, right enough. Impending decisions about spending priorities for next year and into the future are now the unavoidable context of every political exchange – especially those within Government , some of which you'll see, most of which you won't. They are the subtext of every interview, news story and speech between now and October. As ever, the management of expectations at the centre is essential at this stage. At the recent National Economic Dialogue Paschal Donohoe solemnly warned of deep uncertainty about the future and that (inconveniently) positive headline economic figures so far this year mask 'considerable vulnerabilities'. 'The mood music is changing,' Donohoe warned. His party leader saw 'dark clouds on the horizon'. For the Taoiseach , 'challenging,' was the mot juste. In the Dáil this week, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers returned to the theme. READ MORE 'We face significant economic uncertainty,' he said. 'Everyone in this House needs to realise the level and degree of ... corporate risks that exists right now.' As the Bert used to say during the late stage hubris of the Celtic Tiger, sure this is all cribbin' and moanin' and talkin' down the country. Still, you can see what they're at. The country and its political system have become accustomed to massive giveaway budgets, and cannot contemplate restraint. Well, let me qualify that thought: everyone can contemplate restraint, just not for themselves. Everyone has a demand for extra spending, sourced from the public purse. Some have a good case; all believe they deserve priority. Much of our media – especially RTÉ – is in the habit of promoting the causes of all comers relentlessly and uncritically. Of course, RTÉ might feel a special affinity with bodies looking for money from the Government. But still. Some context would not go amiss – how much would this cost? What is the existing budget? Where might the money come from? What should not be done in order to pay for this? What taxes should be increased? The list of supplicants for greater public funding is literally unending. A casual glance at a political correspondent's inbox gives a flavour of the requests bombarding the budget ministers: extra provision for education for people with disabilities; extra funding for school capitation; VAT cuts for the embattled hospitality industry; a €25 per week increase in welfare rates; this week's cause celebre – retaining the €1,000 discount on fees for third level students; and so on, and so on. [ The Irish Times view on college fees: Government has a choice to make Opens in new window ] Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan played a more subtle hand. Speaking at the Free Legal Advice Centre in Dublin, he said it was clear that Ireland has 'a big problem' with domestic violence. He would like to provide more resources for Flac and for civil legal aid – but 'I'm limited in terms of budget'. He is getting to the heart of the entire question of budgeting: it's all a question of priorities. Few people would quibble with increasing the budget for legal aid to ensure that people can have access to justice and to the protection of the law, when that question is taken in isolation. But governments cannot take any of these questions in isolation – they must weigh it all up as part of a coherent and credible whole of Government budgetary plan. Within the justice budget, for example, how does that measure up as a priority against recruiting more gardaí? Or fixing the problem of prison overcrowding? Or supporting the victims of crime? Or rehabilitating young people who have fallen into criminality? And how should the justice allocation be compared to the other budgets within Government? Should justice be constrained so that we can spend more money on health? On disabilities? On child poverty? Not so simple now, is it? And, yes, you might want to do all these things. But you can't. Anyone who pretends you can isn't being straight. You have to choose. Now let's not feel too bad for Messers Donohoe and Chambers. It may be hard being in charge of budgets during a time of plenty, but it's better than being Rachel Reeves . As the tears rolled down Reeves' cheeks in the House of Commons on Wednesday, both sterling and the UK's standing in the bond markets were headed in the same direction. Whatever the problems of prosperity that Jack and Paschal have to manage, they are far, far preferable to the other kind of problem, now facing Reeves and her prime minister. Better to have surpluses than deficits. So you might think that an overriding national priority would be to maintain steady and stable public finances. To do that, the budget ministers and the leaders of the Government parties have decided, they must eliminate the once-off giveaways of the last three budgets. 'We can't and we won't' continue with them, Donohoe told Ivan Yates on Newstalk on Thursday. But how firm is that determination? My sense is that Donohoe's is rock solid. He is not, however, in charge of the Government. Both Simon Harris and Micheál Martin, while ruling out another goody basket of one-off giveaways, have insisted that they will also seek to help people with rising costs in the budget. Does this signal a middle ground will be found? This week's controversy over student fees shows just how hard it is to withdraw benefits to which voters have become accustomed. Does the Government have the political will and the capacity to restrain itself and take politically difficult but necessary decisions to position the country for future growth and to protect it against future adversity – or will we cross our fingers, plough on and hope for the best? We'll see. But I know one thing: the politics of no hard choices never, ever ends well.
