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Jim Owers at the ruins of the White O’Morn cottage in Connemara.

Jim Owers's love affair with the film 'The Quiet Man' began in the early 1960's and its magic has remained with him to this day.

"I first saw the film in The Capitol Cinema in Cork and over the many many years since, I have travelled to the West of Ireland and in particular, Connemara to see the many locations where this film was made in 1951," Jim told The Avondhu this week.

Jim went on to remind us that the film had its premiere at the Adelphi Cinema in Dublin on 6th June, 1952; had its first showing in the UK on 21st July, 1952 and in August 1952, was released in the USA. Directed by John Ford, it starred John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara and Barry Fitzgerald, with supporting roles by Ward Bond, Victor McLaglen, Mildred Natwick and Francis Ford. It was filmed in various locations in the West of Ireland and North Kerry and still holds its charm to this day.

Jim said it's sad to note that the White O'Morn cottage that was used in the movie has been allowed to fall in to ruin.

"It now consists of two partial stone gable-ends and has trees and vegetation growing within. It is accessible through a field and finally over a babbling stream, which also featured in the film when Michaeleen Og Flynn led a horse and cart carrying John Wayne's huge double bed to White O'Morn.

"There is a constant stream of movie buffs from near and far who visit this cottage site every year and those of whom I have spoken to on site, all are dismayed and shocked at the present state of the cottage. All seem to be of the impression, that it ought to be restored for future generations to see and admire, considering that 'The Quiet Man' was, and is still, such a loved film all over the world."

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