Irish films to check out at the Galway Film Fleadh

The 28th Galway Film Fleadh begins tomorrow, showcasing some of the best of Irish film talent. Over the course of six days, 89 feature films and over 130 shorts will be shown. We've picked out seven Irish films we think you should check out if you're in Galway for the festival.

Tiger Raid
Brian Gleeson and Damien Molony star as members of a private security company working in Iraq. We meet them as they're travelling through the desert to kidnap the daughter of a powerful local man, to use her as bait in the titular tiger raid. The film is directed by Simon Nixon, and based on a play 'Radio Luxemburg' by Mick Donnellan. It had its world premiere in April at the Tribeca film festival, and will be released in cinemas later this year.

Thursday, 7th July, 10.00pm.

The Seige of Jadotville
This Irish / South African co-production, based on a true events, stars Jamie Dornan as an Irish UN commander who must lead his battalion of 150 troops when they are placed under siege by a group of 3,000 Congolese. It's directed by Richie Smyth who has previously directed music videos for U2 and Bon Jovi. The film will be available on Netflix later this year, but this is a chance to see it on the big screen.

Saturday, 9th July, 8.00pm

It's Not Yet Dark
It's Not Yet Dark is a documentary looking at the life of Irish filmmaker Simon Fitzmaurice, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease at the age of 34. Despite his illness, he pursued his lifelong dream of directing a feature film, My Name is Emily, which was released earlier this year. Narrated by Colin Farrell, this film is partially based on Fitzmaurice's memoir, and follows him through the process of making his film with only the use of his eyes.

Saturday, 9th July, 4.00pm

Cardboard Gangsters
Love / Hate’s John Connors returns to screens, playing a small time drug dealer who attempts to take control of the drug trade in his local area, chasing a seeming glamorous lifestyle of money and power. With no return in sight for Love / Hate, Mark O’Connor’s drama could help fill that void.

Saturday, 9th July, 10.00pm

Twice Shy
Twice Shy is an independent Irish film on the very relevant topic of Ireland's abortion laws. It follows a young couple who travel to London as a result of an unplanned pregnancy. Despite being an independent film it has managed to secure the services of Ardal O'Hanlon and Patt Shortt, and has a soundtrack that features Ash, Gavin James and The Corrs.

Friday, 8th July, 6.30pm

The Young Offenders
A coming of age film about two best friends from inner city Cork, who go hunting for a bale of cocaine worth €7 million, which is rumoured to have gone missing after a drug bust off the coast of west Cork. It's based around real events of Ireland's biggest ever drug seizure which took place in 2007. If you can't make it to this screening, it is scheduled for a cinematic release in September.

Friday, 8th July, 8.00pm

A Date For Mad Mary
Ed Guiney and Element Pictures have been on a roll recently, with the Oscar winning success of Room and the critical success of The Lobster. A Date for Mad Mary is their latest offering, directed by Darren Thornton, and tells the story of Mary McArdle who returns to her home in Drogheda after a short prison sentence, and attempts to find a date for her best friend's wedding. It's due to be released in Irish cinemas this September.

Friday, 8th July, 6.00pm