TV comes calling for the Ardglass Vikings

TV comes calling for the Ardglass Vikings

11 December 2013

THE Ardglass Vikings are well known for their charity work across Ireland, the UK and beyond. But they have added an impressive new string to their bow — by taking part in a mini television series which has attracted millions of avid fans.

Fifteen years after launching their first longships at the Phennick Cove marina in their home village, the members of the Ardglass Vikings have just completed filming for the second series of Vikings which is aired on the History Channel.

The Canadian-Irish historical drama series, written and created by Michael Hirst, premiered in March this year in the United States and Canada. Filmed in Ireland,Vikings is inspired by tales about Ragnar Lodbrok, one of the best-known Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of France and England.

It portrays Ragnar as a Viking farmer, who pioneered the first daring raids into England with the support of fellow warriors, his brother Rollo, and his wife, the shield maiden Lagertha. Filming for a 10-episode second season finished recently.

The Ardglass Vikings live and breathe the history of the sea-borne Scandinavians and it was a chance encounter in 2012 which opened up the unique opportunity of featuring in the Irish-Canadian collaboration for MGM and the History Channel.

Sean Keogh, who is one of the most familiar faces associated with the Ardglass Vikings, explained the first ed historical action series features two of the group’s longships — the Black Swallow and the Ellen Dubh (Black Nellie).

Starring Gabriel Byrne and Travis Fimmel, the first series charts the true life of Ragnar Lodbrok and his family as he raids and explores west of his homelands.

“We gained great credit for our work on the first series and after phenomenal success in the USA, watched by a staggering 83 million viewers, the Ardglass Vikings have just finished their involvement filming the second series,” revealed a delighted Sean.

“The second series is double the budget of the first and was much more demanding for cast and crew. During filming of the second series at locations in Co. Wicklow, the Ardglass Viking volunteers got the chance to work alongside the actors in many of the marine action scenes.”

Sean said the hectic filming schedules was almost like a boot camp. He said the Ardglass Vikings, already versed in rowing, sailing and beach invading, had to get used to performing on cue and getting it right for the camera each take.

“Time constraints, light and weather conditions were all key elements that influenced the production crew’s final cut,” he continued.

Sean said the first series will air on RTE 2 in January with the second series due for release in the USA in March/April next year.

The Ardglass Vikings will barely have time to draw breath or wallow in any of their series successes. A busy 2014 awaits — their first outing on St. Patrick’s Day.

“We are also involved in the Brian Boru and Clontarf millennium celebrations and return to Cutters Wharf in Belfast on May 4,” said Sean.

As 2013 draws to a close, it brings to an end an exceptionally busy year for the Ardglass Vikings. As well as organising the annual NSPCC/Childline Races at Cutters Wharf, raising over £6,000 for the charity, the group also supported its local community festival, football club and the Helping Hands Romania group.

Sean added: “Factor in a St Patrick’s Day abduction in Enniskillen, a Brian Boru festival in Co. Clare and an invasion at Largs, and it has been a really busy, but thoroughly enjoyable year for us all. Roll on 2014.”

• For more information on the Ardglass Vikings view their Facebook page. A new website is also being launched shortly.