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19 Dec 2025

Offaly film celebrates the importance of community

Story shot in Banagher locations highlights the vulnerable during Christmas

John Dolan Michael Hough Banagher

Banagher farmer John Dolan and Michael Hough expressing the value of friendship in “Under the Influencer.”

A short Banagher film celebrating the importance of community during Christmas has been receiving a very positive response on social media.
Produced by Ger Hough, owner of Hough's pub, “Under the Influencer” stars Ger's father Michael (82).
Michael plays a bachelor farmer who, at first glance, appears to be suffering from a phone addiction issue or, says Ger, is “a social media influencer, when in fact he's just attempting to connect with his recently deceased drinking buddy.”
One of the many people praising the film on social media said it captures the importance of community connection, coming together, looking out for each other & looking after our most vulnerable. Another person said it showcased pubs as being important social outlets for our older individuals within the community.
Ger said the pub in the story embodies more than just a simple watering hole, “but a place where some of the more isolated and vulnerable members of the community can come, meet people and feel part of the community. The local Pub is an endangered species - let's protect it at all costs.”
The story was written by Harry Prendergast. The film was shot and edited by Alan Rogers. Songs were by Ultan Conlon and Harry Prendergast. John Dolan was thanked for allowing the film to be shot in his house and on his farm. “It was a great honour for the Dolan family,” commented John.

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