Samhain is Gaelic meaning “Summer’s End” and pronounced “sah-win”. It’s a celebration of the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year. It was during this time that a pumping ocean swell hit Europe.

Filmed over two days in County Clare on Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, primarily at the rarely working, heaving slab of a surf spot called “Laurens” at the foot of the 700ft high Cliffs of Moher. The wind was offshore, the surf was classic and the sun cast everything in a golden light. It felt like summers end. Days later winter took hold and the cold, grey returned.

This is a Northcore film conceived as part of their #Talking Story project where through their book, film, still images and interviews they set about capturing the stories and characters which enrich our surfing lives. The story which inspired them most in Clare is of a group of friends and surfers who take on everything the Atlantic can throw at their coast. Pete, Seamus and Fionan hold down regular jobs and other than the waves they surf, they lead regular lives. They ride Ireland’s heaviest Winter surf for the fun and comradery, not for the glory. This is what makes their story special:
“Samhain”

Credits:
A Northcore Film
Directed by – Matt Strathern
Cinematography by – Kev L Smith
Edited by – Kev L Smith
Produced by – Matt Strathern
Music – ‘Wild & Wasted Waters’ by Kill It Kid, from the Album ‘Feet Fall Heavy’ available now. Written by Chris Turpin, arranged by Kill It Kid (killitkid.com) With permission of One Little Indian Records & Kassner Associated Publishers
Surfers – Peter Conroy, Seamus O’Riain, Fionan Cronin, Luke Underwood, Ryan Watts