Drama produced in Mayo and by Westport company to be aired on RTÉ2 tonight

A Mayo drama filmed in Mayo.

Western Front Studios is proud to announce the release of Collision, their RTÉ Storyland drama, landing on RTÉ2 today, on December 18.

Set against the sweeping backroads of rural Mayo, the story follows teenagers Cillian (a closeted hurler) and James (his openly gay schoolmate), who, after a drug-fueled party, agree to meet in secret, far from prying eyes.

On their way home they are involved in a sudden, deadly car crash with another vehicle with the driver’s life hanging in the balance.

Not wanting to be implicated with James – Cillian covers up their involvement in the crash, which causes shockwaves throughout their close-knit community. As the town and authorities hunt for answers, the boys are pushed to confront their guilt, the weight of their choices, their bond, and a love neither of them was prepared to face.

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Collision tackles the contemporary and all-too-harrowing issue of drink and drug driving in Ireland and the devastation left behind for the people involved and the wider community.

At its heart, though, it is a coming-of-age story about self-acceptance, growing up, and understanding who you really are. It is a queer love story.

The drama is written and directed by Michael Carolan, known for his Virgin Media Discovers short film Night Driver. Carolan has a rare gift for writing flawed, deeply human characters and never goes down the easy road of heroes and villains. In his world, people are messy, complicated, and capable of both harm and grace.

Carolan says, “Collision is a deeply personal film to me. I initially set out, wanting to explore the reality of the record-breaking road fatalities recorded last Christmas in Ireland. It's a tragic, first-love story about what happens when two people collide at a pivotal moment in their lives. It comes from my fascination with that tense space between who we are and who we’re expected to be.” 

The drama stars rising talents Cuan Hosty Blaney (House of Guinness, Dead of Winter) as Cillian, a closeted GAA golden boy who thinks he has life figured out, and Cameron Brady (Sapphire) as James, his openly gay schoolmate fighting for a future beyond the limits of their small town. The pair deliver raw, tender, and completely unvarnished performances.

As a duo, they are impeccable, bringing depth, heart, and authenticity to every scene. Cameron Brady explains, “James came with an inner world of internal conflict fuelled by love, lust, and empathy. It was a challenge but a joy to unravel and understand this world.

Such roles enrich the emotional depth I delve into for comprehension, which is why I'm deeply appreciative of James's contribution. Love prevailing in the most dire of circumstances is a really wonderful thing to watch, so if you're into that, watch it.”

The drama was filmed in Westport, in collaboration with producers Emer and Brian Durcan of Western Front Studios, who meticulously crafted the production. The local community were phenomenally supportive, patient, and game for anything the crew threw at them.

Emer Durcan, Producer, says, “We gave them a hell of a show with stunts, fires, and plenty of action. Working with our fantastic cast and crew was an incredible experience, and we look forward to bringing another one home to Westport soon.”
Brian Durcan served as Cinematographer, capturing the wildness and beauty of the drama.

He says, “Collision was technically challenging, but with a talented, skilled crew, the execution surpassed the vision.”
The film was edited by Julian Ulrichs (KIN, Kneecap) and features a stunning original score by popular London based electronic music producer Rival Consoles (Black Mirror, Phenomena, The Figo Affair).

“I designed a lot of the sounds for Collision to express the raw emotional toll of the characters. I used synthesis to design the sounds because it allowed me to explore a wide range of beauty and tension, and it is something which is very personal to the way I work.

I was drawn to how two very different truths were hidden: one innocent, the other not, and the heavy emotional toll they both take throughout the story.” 

Rival Consoles (aka Ryan West) It was also hugely important to have the support of the Mayo Road Safety Officer Frances
Mitchell, whose blessing paved the way for the Road Traffic Policing Unit to participate. 

“This programme highlights not just a road Collision but the human stories behind it and the devastation caused for the individuals involved, their families and wider communities. 

Mayo Road Safety Office is urging all road users to slow down, avoid distractions, never drive while under the influence of drink or drugs and make safety their priority on every journey.” Mayo Road Safety Office.

The shoot took place during the week of 6th October, intentionally aligning with National Road Safety Week. Mayo, the setting of this drama, is heartbreakingly prone to road accidents, particularly those caused by drunk and drugged driving.

With Collision, the team aims to draw real attention to this issue and encourage communities to reflect on the aftermath and lives forever changed by a single reckless choice.

The production was commissioned by RTÉ Drama as part of Storyland 2025, a supported initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Since its inception in 2009, Storyland has acted as a launchpad for Irish writing, directing, producing, and acting talent throughout Ireland to develop and further their careers.

The drama 'Collision' will be aired on RTÉ2 tonight, at 9.30pm.

This is part of RTÉ’s ongoing strategy to increase its development in drama output by investing in and supporting the Irish creative industry.

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