WATCH: Birr signwriter Brendan Mooney honoured in new heritage film

A new short film celebrating one of Birr’s best-known craftspeople has been released online, capturing the fading art of traditional signwriting through the memories of a local master.

Memories of a Signwriter features Brendan Mooney, who worked for decades hand-painting shopfronts, and pub signs across Birr and beyond.

Filmed by David Cotter, who handled camera, sound and editing, the piece offers an intimate portrait of both the man and his meticulous craft.

Close-up shots linger on brushstrokes and ageing signage, underscoring the patience and precision that defined Mooney’s work.

The project was supported by 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 for Vintage Week 2025.

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