A new board for Screen Ireland was announced today by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD. Among the appointees to the new board is Ray Harman (pictured), a long-standing member of Irish 90s favourites Something Happens – who has in recent years developed a reputation as a composer of film music.

“I am delighted to welcome the new Board of Screen Ireland who take up their role at an exciting time in the film industry,” Catherine Martin said. "The challenges that endure since COVID-19 arrived on our shores are well known, but increased support and investment in Screen Ireland will help deliver key projects across feature film, TV drama and animation production.”

The legislation establishing the Board allows for a total board membership of seven with one Board Member to be appointed as Chair. The full board Screen Ireland membership is as follows:

· Ms Susan Bergin (Chair designate),
· Dr Zélie Asava,
· Mr John McDonnell,
· Mr Ray Harman and
· Mr Eoin Holohan
· Ms Marian Quinn (re-appointment)
· Ms Kate McColgan (re-appointment)

Ray Harman has earned well over 100 movie credits, including writing the music for TV series like The Young Offenders, Darklands and Blood. He also composed the non-Thin Lizzy music for the documentary Phil Lynott: Songs for While I’m Away, directed by Emer Reynolds – the movie release in Ireland of which has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The appointments to the board of Screen Ireland – which include two reappointments – come following a Public Appointment Services (PAS) campaign for the Screen Ireland Board.

"Sustained investment and work in recent years had laid the foundations for positive growth in the sector,” Catherine Martin added, "and despite the difficulties of operating in a COVID landscape, the sector has demonstrated its resilience. There is a substantial demand for screen content and with our skilled workforce, our cultural heritage and landscapes and supports for the sector, Ireland is in a strong place to capitalise on this.

"We are ambitious for the film industry in Ireland and we want to see the Irish creative screen sector grow to become a global centre of excellence for the creative screen industries. The Board is central to the governance, oversight and strategic direction of Screen Ireland and I thank all the Board Members for giving their time and playing a part in supporting the audiovisual sector.”

The appointments were made, a statement issued by the Department explains, following an open competition operated by PAS which invited application from individuals with professional industry experience; creative and technical experience; experience of distribution; exhibition and audience development; experience of related areas including front of camera; the creative arts, including crafts; or broader business experience.