Documentary on Irish punk band The Panic Merchants arriving in May

A documentary on Irish punk band The Panic Merchants is set to arrive on May 15.

The film, set in the late '80s, follows the rise and fall of the Co. Cavan group The Panic Merchants. The group disbanded and then reunited 25 years later.

Directed by Frank Shouldice, known for productions like The Man Who Wanted To Fly, Once We Were Punks was previously screened at the Galway Film Festival and Dublin's IFI Documentary Festival.

According to the logline: "Dreaming big, four school mates Justin, David, Noel and Paddy form a punk band setting their sights on world domination."

"They have a blast but the big breakthrough never comes to pass. They call it quits. The dream is over. Until they meet up at a funeral 25 years later and to their own surprise, pick up where they left off."

From Cavan and Donegal but based in Dublin, The Panic Merchants were originally made up of Justin Kelly (vocals), David Meagher (guitar), Paddy Glackin (bass), and Noel Larkin (drums). The band's leaders, Kelly and Meagher, now line out as Sons of Southern Ulster.

"Separated by oceans for the past three decades those barnstorming memories might tenuously connect four school pals across three continents,"

"Except the past can mean more than distance, especially when ex-punks revive young dreams in middle age".

Produced by Igloo Films, Once We Were Punks will have its release in selected Irish cinemas. More information about the cast and screenings are to be released soon.