Director Brendan Canty and first stars announced for Cork-set Boys of Tommen series

The first cast members have been announced for Prime Videos’ Boys of Tommen, the original TV series based on the bestselling series by Cork author Chloe Walsh.

Brendan Canty, known for his film Christy as well as the music video for Hozier’s iconic track ‘Take me To Church’, will lead the project as director. Meanwhile, Nancy Surridge is set to take the main role of Shannon Lynch, the shy and mysterious new girl at Tommen College.

Additional cast members include Conor Sánchez in the role of Jonny Kavanagh, James O’Donoghue as Joey Lynch, and Sophie McGibbon as Aoife Molloy.

Boys of Tommen follows the forbidden love story of Johnny Kavanagh, the star rugby player on the verge of a pro career, and Shannon Lynch, the talented but painfully shy new girl at the prestigious private school of Tommen College in Ballylaggin, Ireland, according to the series’ official logline.

“Both teenagers are hiding secrets,” the description continues. “Johnny, a potentially career-ending injury, and Shannon, a troubled and violent homelife. Through their secret and highly charged connection, the two teens from opposite worlds battle against the odds and find a way to save each other.”

Speaking of the new announcement, director Brendan Canty said: “As someone who grew up in Cork, where these stories are set, this project feels incredibly personal to me. Poppy Cogan has done an amazing job adapting Chloe’s beloved books, and the way both writers capture young people’s lives with such empathy, tenderness and honesty feels truly extraordinary to me.”

He added that the producers had received over 3000 casting suggestions from across the UK and Ireland, before settling on the four newly announced actors.

Boys of Tommen will premiere exclusively on Prime Video, with an official release date to be announced.