Short film celebrates Offaly man's outstanding sign writing skill

A NEW short film celebrating one of Birr’s best-known craftsmen has been released online.
This important film brings to our attention the excellent contribution to his local community made by one man and, unfortunately, the disappearing art of traditional signwriting.
“Memories of a Signwriter” focusses on Brendan Mooney, who worked for decades hand-painting shopfronts, and pub signs across Birr and further afield.
It's been expertly and sensitively filmed by David Cotter, who handled camera, sound and editing. The film offers a charming portrayal of the craftsman and his painstaking work.
The creative director of the film was Brendan's daughter, Naomi McArdle, who said the film was "the piece of artistic work that I am most proud of — both as a daughter and as a creative person myself".
The film zooms in on beautiful brushstrokes and elegant signage, drawing out attention to the patience and accuracy required for this type of work. (Below: A shot from the film showing Brendan at work on one of his signs).

The film was also selected by OFFline Film Festival and represented as part of the Made in the Midlands programme at screenings in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre and Esker Arts Centre last October.
The project was supported by Offaly County Council as part of the Offaly Creative Ireland programme and shared by Offaly Heritage. It forms part of a wider heritage initiative titled Alphabet Soup, curated by Naomi McArdle and Andrea Moore for Vintage Week 2025. The project was brought to them by Caroline Conway, Chair & Visual Arts Coordinator of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival. (Below: Brendan Mooney as a young man).

Brendan is a laidback and affable interviewee, perfect for making a documentary. Modest about his craft, he talks about how he got into signwriting and some of the projects he worked on over the many years. The film shows that he is responsible for many of the shop front signs throughout Birr, an outstanding legacy which underlines the importance of individual craftsmanship as opposed to generic, corporate signage. Poignantly, Brendan said his late wife still feels present to him and he doesn't feel lonely. “Life in retirement is great!” he commented. “The biggest asset I have now are my grandchildren. They make my day.”
Memories of a Signwriter can be easily found on YouTube. It is strongly recommended.

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