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On The Record: New Film Hits Home
Local residents back short film project
Good morning subscribers. ☕This is your Wednesday, Dec. 3, Rye Record newsletter, curating some of the latest headlines across the city of Rye.
Today’s Weather Channel local forecast calls for sunshine with a high of 40 degrees ☀️ Check out the forecast for the rest of the week here.
Hitting home. A short film inspired by the true story of an Irish family’s act of kindness made its U.S. debut recently, with several Rye residents backing the effort to bring the tale to audiences across the globe.
“Newtown Boys,” written by Galway, Ireland-native Heather O’Sullivan, tells the story of her father, Kevin O’Sullivan, and how his life and his family changed when they welcomed a boy from a nearby orphanage into their home for a weekend in 1960s Ireland.
That boy, Peter, wasn’t adopted, but the weekend marked the beginning of a lifelong bond. He continued spending time with the O’Sullivan family and is still part of their lives today.
Set in the seaside town of Tramore, the film explores the relationship between Peter (called Joseph in the film) and Conn, who is based on Kevin Sullivan. Initially, the two are hesitant friends, but they develop a brotherly bond as they test the boundaries of freedom and adventure together.
Though it remains mostly unspoken, their growing friendship unfolds in quiet contrast to the dark shadows of Ireland’s “Mother and Baby Home” era, when thousands of unmarried mothers and children were separated — and often mistreated — by church-run institutions. The film offers glimpses into Conn’s family’s warm compassion, and also doesn’t shy away from the difficult reality of the orphanage.
One of the O’Sullivan children, Eavan O’Driscoll, is a longtime Rye resident who was at the film’s recent premiere in Bedford and watched her childhood come to life in the film.
She was a child when her parents first welcomed Peter into their home; in the movie, she is the family’s youngest baby.
To read Erin McAward’s full story, click here.
From left: Eavan O’Driscoll, Heather O’Sullivan, and Edwina Fitzmaurice.
-Today’s newsletter is curated by Christian Falcone
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IN OTHER NEWS
KICKING THE CAN. The City Council made clear at its last meeting that voting on a proposed zoning change enabling the Rye Arts Center to expand its campus will fall to the new council next year. -David Hessekiel
NOISY DISPUTE. An employee of a Port Chester landscaping company was arrested in Rye last Wednesday after a dispute with police over the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, authorities reported. -Camille Botello
SOS. A 30-year-old man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a Rye home and choking his girlfriend's ex-partner while demanding to know the location of a woman, police said. -Daily Voice
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FROM OUR PARTNERS
SPORTS
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At the most critical juncture of the season, the Garnets have put together dominating performances week after week.
Friday’s 35-7 state semifinal victory over Cornwall looked like just another day at the office for one of the most overpowering teams in the state.
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