Séamus Mac Murchaidh

Antaine Ó Donnaile uncovers the epic tale of a notorious south Armagh outlaw and the song that commemorates him. Séamus Mac Murphy inspired both terror and admiration in equal measure in those he met. The celebrated rapparee was finally captured by his arch enemy, Johnston of the Fews, but only after a crushing act of betrayal by his lover and some of his closest confidants.

Featuring breathtaking scenery, gripping dramatic re-enactments, and performances from some of the best traditional singers in Ulster, this documentary follows Antaine as he traces the footsteps of this elusive rapparee, eventually meeting some of his living relatives at their ancestral home near Crossmaglen. As Antaine discovers, the Mac Murphy saga illustrates the richness of the local Gaelic tradition, as well as giving a deep insight into the politics and history of south Armagh.