“Lady Betty” is an animated short film telling the tale of Roscommon Gaol’s only female executioner. Narrated by a bickering pair of friends, Paddy (Colm Meaney) and Mick (David Pearse), the comedy/horror follows the story of Betty from her aching poverty, to her murder of her son and finally to her last years as hangwoman of the Old Gaol.
The film’s story writer, Lorraine Harton, found out about the mysterious character of Lady Betty while researching little known female historical figures in Ireland, and consulted with John Kerrigan of the Roscommon Town Heritage to find out about all her contradicting and wild stories.
Lorraine and John spoke to Joe on Thursday's show.
The film will be screened at the Galway Film Fleadh both online and in person on July 23rd and 24th. See galwayfilmfleadh.com for details.