Athenry News & Views Spring 2026

Spring 2026

There is always a special sense of pride when local talent finds its way onto the national and international stage. This year, that pride belongs to Athenry’s own writer and director, Adam Flannelly, whose film Transit is making waves on the Irish film circuit. Transit recently premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival 2026, an important platform for emerging filmmakers and new Irish cinema. The film’s journey is only just beginning, having also been selected for screening at both the First Cut Film Festival 2026 and the Fastnet Film Festival 2026—two highly regarded festivals that celebrate independent filmmaking and rising creative voices. For those who haven’t yet had the chance to see it on the festival circuit, Transit is now available to watch on the RTÉ Player as part of the “Fresh Scenes 2026” series, giving audiences across the country an opportunity to experience this compelling piece of storytelling. What makes the film particularly special for us locally is that a scene was filmed right here in O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy. In a wonderful show of community spirit, our pharmacist even opened the pharmacy on a bank holiday to facilitate the filming. It was a small gesture that reflects the supportive nature of our town—people coming together to help bring a creative vision to life. Moments like these remind us how local businesses and communities often play quiet but meaningful roles in the arts. Seeing a familiar setting on screen is a thrill in itself, but it also highlights how places we know so well can become part of a wider story. We congratulate Adam Flannelly on the success of Transit so far and look forward to seeing where the film’s journey leads next. It is inspiring to see local creativity gaining recognition, and it serves as a reminder that great stories—and great filmmakers— can come from anywhere. If you get the chance, be sure to watch Transit on the RTÉ Player. You might just recognise a familiar spot. Local Pride on the Big Screen

By: Grainne O’Flahery

Adam came back to the pharmacy to tell us of the films success - in the photo left to right Sandra, Gráinne, Adam, Joan and Kudzai

Simple Tips for Healthy Skin

Local Beauty Expert Joan from Clarins O’Flaherty’s Pharmacy, Athenry shares Simple Tips for Healthy Skin. With the change in season many people find their skin feeling is dry, dull or sensitive after the long winter months. Indoor heating, colder weather and environmental stress can all affect the skin, leaving it in need of a refresh. Joan says that a few simple adjustments to a daily routine can help restore healthy, glowing skin for spring. “People often think they need lots of products, but in reality a simple routine done consistently can make the biggest difference,” she explained. Start with a gentle cleanse such as the Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk from €32 which helps remove makeup and daily impurities while leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable. To revive dull winter skin, exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended. The Clarins Comfort Scrub €33.50 gently removes dead skin cells, helping to smooth and brighten the complexion. Hydration is also essential for healthy skin. The Clarins Hydra‑Essentiel Hydrating Bi‑Phase Serum €58 followed by a moisturiser from the Clarins Hydra‑Essentiel Range €48 helps restore moisture and keep skin feeling fresh and balanced throughout the day. Even in Ireland’s climate, sun protection is important. Applying Clarins UV Plus Anti‑Pollution SPF 50 €45 daily helps protect the skin from UV rays and environmental pollution. For a personalised skincare consultation please feel free to call into Joan at the Clarins counter, O’Flahertys Pharmacy Athenry.

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