Irish Equity

03/06/2026

Irish Equity attending EuroFIA conference. Three days of working with and learning from our sister unions across Europe.
Your voice at the table.

02/06/2026

Colleagues!
I want to draw you attention to an important collaboration between Irish Equity Support Fund and the King John Summer Prom which takes place at Trim Castle from the 6th to the 8th of July 2026.
Last year the event coincided with the 30th Anniversary of the release of Braveheart and an extra event was held, attended by Mel Gibson and David O’Hara which raised a substantial amount for Irish Equity’s Support Fund.
This collaboration has grown over the years due to a legacy set in place by a sadly departed member of our community, Sean Lawlor, and kept alive by Sean’s brother Eric.
In Eric’s own words,
‘Thank you for meeting with me recently to discuss plans for establishing a revenue stream dedicated to supporting artists and industry professionals. I understand your members might be curious about my background, so let me share a bit: I am the brother of the late Sean Lawlor, an accomplished artist, actor, playwright, and painter who sadly passed away at age 55, seventeen years ago. It was Sean's heartfelt ambition to create awareness for the artists and raise much needed funds to support members in difficult times, and before he passed, he asked me to carry forward this vision. We made some initial progress, notably through the sale of Sean’s cards by the late Maureen Grant at the Olympia, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to dedicate the necessary time back then.

Fast forward a few years, I established a not-for-profit company, The King John Summer Prom, and organised a 30th anniversary celebration of the film Braveheart here in Trim in 2025. That event rekindled my commitment to Sean’s project and inspired me to reach out to Mel Gibson, other Braveheart cast members, and Patrick Bergin, inviting them to sign posters to raise funds for the Irish Equity Support Fund’.

Many of us had the honour and pleasure of knowing and working with Sean, many more of us counted Sean as a dear friend. His vision to contribute to a support system for performers shows his great love for his fellow performers it also shows his ongoing friendship to his beloved acting community.
Again from Eric
‘This year, we’re hosting the King John Voyage Ireland in Song at Trim Castle Hotel from the 6th to the 8th of July. On Sunday the 5th, we’re planning a special signing event for the Friends of King John poster’
Irish Equity are proud to support Eric in his work to bring Sean’s vision to fruition.
The Irish Equity Support Fund is the beneficiary of Sean Lawlor’s love of our performing community. This will raise important and substantial revenues for those members who are going through unprecedented and unexpected hardships.
Together we hope to grow and support our community going forward and provide practical assistance to creative heart of our industry.

Gerry O’Brien
President, Irish Equity.

TICKETS - https://willwego.com/tickets/king-john-summer-prom-festival-2026/6

WEBSITE - https://kjsummerprom.ie/

FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/p/King-John-Summer-Prom-Trim-CoMeath-
61576765204605/
SHOW PROMO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m178wxAewXY

6, 7, 8 JULY 2026 Trim Co. MeathTICKETS https://willwego.com/organiser/king-john-summer-prom-festival-2026

29/05/2026

Have a read of our May bulletin just posted and most importantly read the 2 minute check.
While you are at it, why not join Irish Equity! Link below.
https://irishequity.ie/join-online/

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

Colleagues!
You will have received an email from Irish Equity’s Sector Organiser, Robbie Purfield on the 25th May. This is with regard to an important survey for all stakeholders in the film and television industry. That includes you.
Please take the time and fill it out to the best of your ability. It is detailed, but it is important to you, to your rights and to your ability to have a sustainable career as a performer.
This is a survey commissioned by The European Commission’s Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology and supported by the International Federation of Actors. It is to assess how your rights under legislation are being complied with.
Regrettably Ireland is falling behind in its obligations to you, the performer.
I will be attending the EuroFIA conference next week and this is an opportunity to get your voice heard at a EU commission level.
The survey will close on Friday June 5th . Please fill it out ASAP.
This is where you can make a difference.
There are two attachments in the email and I urge you to read both carefully and proceed as instructed.
This is a call to action from your executive.
It may open the way for future payments that could be due to you.
If you were involved in a production, even if it was a number of years ago, and you were engaged on a buyout contract, please dig out the details and start filling out the template letter and request the financial information you are entitled to from the producers.
This includes Film and TV productions that may still be generating revenue from ongoing sales.
If you don’t ask you won’t get.
These are you rights and under legislation you have to receive a reply with the relevant information.
Act now, and help Irish Equity deliver on your rights.
Gerry O’Brien
President, Irish Equity.

Join Equity -

Step 2: Once approved you will receive your membership card – PLEASE ALLOW TIME FOR THIS TO BE PROCESSED AND DELIVERED TO YOU.

19/05/2026

A lovely tribute to Mary Carrickford (Golding) from Laurence Foster.

So sad to report the death of dear Mary Golding (Carrickford). An accomplished singer and dancer, she was a doyen of Dublin Musical Theatre in the 1960s. In 1970, Mary joined Jack Cruise’s Company in the Olympia Theatre and, for nine years, performed in every pantomime and summer r***e, including tours of the Cork Opera House, Savoy and City Theatre, Limerick and Dun Mhuire Theatre in Wexford. She also performed in Sligo, Kiltimagh and Galway. In later years, having been a stalwart of Irish Equity, Mary served on the Variety Committee and was an organiser of the Equity Screen Extras Panel for several years, selflessly ensuring that members continued their careers. Always in attendance at Equity AGMs, Mary also helped to administrate the proceedings. She will be sadly missed by all of the theatre fraternity for her quiet vivacity, loyalty and camaraderie. May God Bless you. Thank you for being part of our lives.

19/05/2026

https://rip.ie/death-notice/mary-carrickford-dublin-sandymount-630874

So sorry to learn of the death of Mary, wife of the late Robert Carrickford. Robert was formerly President of Irish Equity. Mary was a member and looked after the Extras Panel for many years. She was always so helpful and will be remembered by many of us for her welcoming smile. RIP.

06/05/2026

It was a great occasion, looking forward to this year and thanks Eric and your team for your support!

Last year the iconic Oscar winning Mel Gibson joined us as our guest of honour.
He and fellow actors did a signing and raised funds for Irish Equity. This July we are planning to repeat this.
Who should we invite this year?

“The best Irish show I’ve ever seen” Mel Gibson
🇮🇪 VOYAGE – IRELAND IN SONG 🇮🇪
🎻 Where Trad meets Orchestra 🎺
📍 Trim Castle Hotel
📅 6th, 7th & 8th July 2026
Step into an unforgettable musical journey through Ireland’s rich heritage, where traditional Irish music meets the power of a full orchestra 🎻
Featuring the incredible Irish Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, stunning vocalists and captivating storytelling, this is a truly immersive celebration of Ireland’s
Tickets 🎫
https://willwego.com/organiser/king-john-summer-prom-festival-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawRohDdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe9-uHWC3pUfLWedZK6DKnG1n3zsdJtdEzrcjutmkxB6bMMIEEkPxOZkTcbIA_aem_BSlBCVQzgUpXOdLZcYwr-w&brid=YWdncwH7i8ddR1UWuEUx8fTpWk7R




Discover Boyne Valley Pic by Liam Murphy Pics

Niall O'Sullivan - Trumpet

05/05/2026

05/05/2026

We wish to clarify payment methods for members following some commentary online.
New or returning members who wish to receive documentation confirming membership will need to pay their first year of membership up front. Following the first year, members are free to move to direct debit payments if they wish.
Unfortunately we have had to take this course of action as we have experienced some new joiners receiving the documentation and immediately cancelling their direct debit.