‘Clean Sweep’

An exciting and thoroughly gripping drama series, ‘Clean Sweep’ will hit our screens May 14th on RTÉ 1. Based on a true story, starring Charlene McKenna (Peaky Blinders) as Shelly Mohan and Barry Ward (The Fall, Britannia) playing Jason Mohan as husband and wife duo. Jason spends his days working as a Garda Detective coming home to his perfect wife, Shelly. All-round super mom, she does it all so well, from chauffeuring their 3 kids around from school to activities, active on the PTA, all the while being an exemplary wife with a dinner on the table for her husband every evening. But appearances can be deceptive! Unbeknownst to everyone around her, Shelly has been secretly living a double life for the last 20 years with a murderous past, keeping this secret even from her unsuspecting husband. Will the arrival of someone from Shelly’s past unravel her carefully manicured world and home life? Will her husband find out exactly who he married? I spoke to Barry Ward to find out more.

Barry, thank you so much for joining us here in Connect. Your new starring role in RTÉ’s, Clean Sweep sounds very exciting, can you tell our readers about the show?

Thanks Cathriona, absolutely! Clean Sweep is an exciting new 6 part crime drama starting the 14th of May on RTÉ. It focuses on the two parents in the Mohan family, Shelly and Jason. Without giving too much away, the very first episode lays out the plot for the entire story. The matriarch, Shelly played by Charlene McKenna, is a criminal whose unsuspecting husband Jason happens to be the lead detective investigating the case and crimes she committed.

Your character, Detective Jason Mohan, is an unsuspecting husband to his wife’s past. What drew you into this character?

The fact that I got to play opposite Charlene McKenna! Detectives are always an interesting challenge and especially the lead investigator, there is always plenty to get your teeth stuck into with that type of role. I think part of the attraction for me was that to play a role where the audience are always one step ahead of my character, it’s always tricky to keep that ball in the air so it’s a very interesting challenge!

How is the relationship between Shelly and Jason, as Shelly’s past catches up to her does this cause a shift in the couple’s dynamics without giving too much away!

Oh absolutely, Charlene’s character Shelly holds all the cards in a sense because she knows more than I know and always one step ahead of her husband Jason the whole time. It kind of sets the tone for that big plot devise, it’s essentially a big rock thrown into the pond that is our marriage and our family. This of course has a huge ripple effect so when you take in the series, it’s got this quality family drama but with the explosive tense side to it giving the viewer an exciting viewing experience. It’s tinged with tension and the stakes are high.

What affect does this have on Jason throughout his story arc?

As Jason gets closer to the truth and closer to solving the crime it leads Charlene’s character, Shelly, to more drastic measures so this really takes its toll on the family and Jason particularly.

But Jason is no angel either, he has a few skeletons in his closet that come out during the course of the show, but that’s all I will say on that for now so not to give too much away!

With it being based on a true story I feel this adds to the overall excitement of the show, particularly with the rise in interest in true crime series and documentaries. Did yourself and Charlene do any specific research or training before filming to learn more about the roles?

In a short answer, no! I have played the roles of a cop and detective before so for me it was just important to serve the script and get into character. It was all there in the script the character was so meaty and chunky, something I could really get into playing. Anything else might have just gotten in the way really so for me it really just came down to getting stuck into the scenes with Charlene.

With a rise in popularity for Irish film and production worldwide, are you excited at the prospect of it being picked up in America too?

Yes! I think it’s great, the company bringing it there have been involved from the get go so it always had American involvement especially with an American writer on board. So I think it was exciting to know the bigger audience it would ultimately receive. I think given the fact it was set in Ireland too just gives it that edgier, grittier feel, a completely different dimension. So fingers crossed people on both sides of the water like it! It has been a fantastic few years for the Irish film and TV industry, there have been so many trailblazers paving a path for the rest of us.

What locations where included in the filming?

It was mainly filmed in South Dublin, places like Killiney where we did a lot of filming in a hotel there and a house nearby. For me being from Blanchardstown, it’s always nice to film in Dublin. We were in Bray in Co Wicklow a lot too which is always nice, Bray is a lovely spot.

For you personally as an actor, when you are sent a script, what is your decision making process like and what is the deciding factor for you? Are there particular characters that you enjoy being cast as?

It really varies for me from script to script. Nothing will ever fill all the criteria you have, there is always going to be a plus and minus to every role and character. I just personally think script, story and character are absolutely paramount in my selection process. But the writing is very important to me too, the writing has to be good, something to get me hooked! If it’s less than that then it has to come down to factors such as it having a really good cast or really good director, really nice location to film just something along those lines to attract me to it. But essentially first and foremost it’s got to be the writing that sells it to me.

You have had a very successful career so far with roles in drama’s such as The Fall and Britannia and now with Clean Sweep sure to be a success both here in Ireland and in America where it will be broadcast on Sundance Now. In addition to this you recently won an IFTA award, what projects can we expect to see you in over the next year or so?

So Clean Sweep comes out May 14th and after that I have a film called Sunlight which will be actually playing in the upcoming Kerry International Film Festival. It was written by the extremely talented Ailbhe Keogan who as you know comes from Kerry as well! She previously worked on the Olivia Coleman drama, Joyride. Basically Ailbhe wrote this feature for me a few years ago called Sunlight, with lockdown it got delayed but we eventually got there with it! I’m excited for that to come out after all of this time, it will have a cinema release too which is always good! I also have an upcoming Feature called ‘That They May Face the Rising Sun’ which was directed by Pat Collins. It’s based on the book of the same name by author John McGahern. So yes, an exciting year ahead and hopefully audiences will enjoy Clean Sweep as much as I enjoyed making it.

Episode 1 of Clean Sweep airs on 14th May, at 9.30pm on RTÉ One. All six episodes will be available to stream on RTÉ Player.

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As I sit writing this, it is the most beautiful sunny day here in Tralee. The town is a hive of activity with students and workers filling the square on their lunchbreak, winter jackets swapped for shirts with sleeves rolled up, top button undone and sunglasses making a welcome return for spring/summer 2023. The sunshine almost filling us with a promise of long, hot summer days to come. With this in mind I began to think of summer weekends and how lucky we are to live in a county filled with so many exciting amenities and attractions. I have put together a list of my personal favourites to give you some summer inspiration! So if it’s a family day out, hen or stag activity or just a last minute day trip, read more to find out what you can do in the kingdom this summer!

Aqua Dome Tralee

The Aqua Dome is one of Kerry’s most recognisable features and premier tourist attractions. Situated just on the outskirts of town, the Aqua Dome has provided years of entertainment and memories to families across the county and further afield. Over the past 28 years more than 4.5 million happy satisfied customers have experienced the facility. With features for the whole family to enjoy, visitors can enjoy swimming with the current, surfing the waves, relaxing in the lazy river, wrestling the river rapids, riding the skyhigh flume slide and plunging down the outdoor falling rapids. Whirlpool spas, Bubble seats, Sprays, Cannons, Gushers, Geysers, Children's pools and Bubble pools are all super attractions for everyone to splash in. With a team of lifeguards offering a constant presence, parents can rest easy knowing their family is in safe hands. The on-site café provides hot food, refreshing beverages and treats for all the family to enjoy after working up an appetite in the water. If you haven’t experienced the Aqua Dome yet, this is your sign to go visit it today!

For more information contact 0667128899

TRALEE BAY WETLANDS & THE LAKESIDE CAFÉ

Just across from the Aqua Dome sits the most serene and tranquil Tralee Bay Wetlands. An oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of a town, this nature reserve is perfect for a walk with the family, a spot of yoga amongst friends, educational trips, the list is endless! The Visitor Centre gives you access to the Tralee Bay Wetlands Nature Reserve which offers a Guided Nature Boat Tour, 20-metre viewing tower, bird hides, nature boardwalk. The Activity Lake and Walkway outside the Visitor Centre can be enjoyed by locals, tourists, walking enthusiasts, nature lovers and families. Facilities at the Visitor Centre include: WIFI, Outdoor Toddler Playground, Toilets and Baby Changing Facilities. The centre's contemporary design showcases timber frame construction from renewable sources while embracing the landscape it sits in. The large area of glass to the front of the centre captures the magnificent views over the activity lake in addition to maximizing passive solar gain making the building highly energyefficient. The Lakeside Café offers a wide variety of fresh and local produce, prepared daily by the Chef to ensure the highest quality foods from pan to plate. Perhaps you and your friends fancy a coffee and a chat? Avail of the popular cake of the day special for just €5.50, enjoy a tea or coffee made by one of the expertly trained Baristas and a slice of the delicious, mouthwatering treat! For more information on the visitors centre contact 0667126700 or the Lakeside Café 0862408237

Dingle Ocean World

Situated on the stunning marina walk in Dingle is family favourite, Dingle Ocean World. Captivating audiences from birth to adult hood, this immersive, sensory rich experience is very special indeed. From the hypnotic grace of the Sand Tiger Sharks, the charming Gentoo Penguins or the hundreds of species of Fish, Otters and

Turtles, there is something for everyone to see. With the most amazing staff on hand to answer any questions you may have about a particular species and to make your trip as educational and fun, this Aquarium has deservedly earned its reputation across the county of one of the top family attractions. If you time your visit right, you can witness one of the scheduled feeding times too! Don’t forget to pay a visit to the café or souvenir shop on the way out! Did you know you can also adopt an animal too? Now I don’t mean you can pop a penguin in the car and travel home! But for a very small fee you can adopt to help support the upkeep and care for the animals in the aquarium, when you visit you will see just how much work is involved by the amazing staff and how many endangered species call it home. For more information on ticket prices, opening hours and feeding times visit www.dingle-oceanworld.ie or call 0669152111

Skellig Michael

Whether you are living in or visiting Kerry, a trip to Skellig Michael is an absolute must. The Skellig Rocks, Skellig Michael (also known as Great Skellig) and Little Skellig, are towering sea crags rising from the Atlantic Ocean almost 12 kilometres west of the Ivereagh Peninsula. Located at the western edge of the European landmass, 1300 years ago, early Christian monks built a remarkable hermitage at the top of this jagged ocean crag – then at the furthest limits of the known world. This mysterious and awe-inspiring place –described by George Bernard Shaw as “part of our dream world” – is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It can be reached by the adventurous on a small boat, only when the weather allows from May to October. Recently finding new found fame with the filming of the Star Wars franchise on it, Skellig is just one of those bucket list places you have to see at least once in your lifetime. For more information on booking a visit contact www.skelligexperience.com

Ballyheigue And Kerryhead

If it’s a day at the beach then you can’t do much better than Ballyheigue Beach. One of Kerry’s many Blue Flag beaches, it offers a 2.5km stretch of golden sandy beach monitored closely by a team of life guards throughout the summer months. The carpark is so conveniently located parallel to the beach. If it’s a family outing, why not make use of the playground located in the beach carpark with swings, slides and climbing frames to wear your little dare-devils out or to work up an appetite! If its casual dining why not pop into the family run team in Shafi’s Takeaway and sample some of their famous fresh pizzas! (The Kebaberella – trust me you can thank me later!) Open from 5pm every evening in the summer, it’s the perfect place to grab some freshly made food for you and your family to enjoy, you could pop down to the picnic benches by the beach and enjoy dinner with the most amazing view! For the sporting amongst us, a visit to Ballyheigue Golf Course is an absolute must! Situated at Ballyheigue Castle with views of the Atlantic Ocean, it even hosted one of Irelands most star filled weddings of Ballyheigue native Don O Neill. If you are a bit more adventurous (and fitter!) why not hike the Kerryhead loop trail?

You will be treated to scenery of the Atlantic on one side and the Shannon on the other across the coastline to County Clare. Be sure to bring water on the hotter days though! What a more perfect way to end a day like this than to pop into Claire and Pat in Flahives and enjoy one of their famous cocktails, the daquiri being a personal favourite!

Crag Caves

Experience 1 million years of geographical wonder in this underground world and one of Ireland’s best examples of an open cave in Ireland. Crag cave is suitable for children and adults with so much to learn and experience. Crag Cave offers more than just a cave visit with a fun indoor play centre, restaurant, gift shop and some outdoor activities. Located in Castleisland with easy access from Killarney and Tralee, it is open throughout the year with a wonderful seasonal Santa experience in December. The cave was discovered in 1983 and opened soon after. There are guided tours of the cave available and it is recommended that children should be school age as there are steps and narrow passages in the cave. In the cave you can learn about cave formation, the development into a show cave and details about what the cave is composed of. Younger guests can enjoy the large play centre as part of their visit or a standalone visit. There is a large slide, crazy maze area, rope bridge, ball pools, a spiral slide and balls guns. The area is very safe and fun for kids up to 12 years of age. Supervision is on hand and parents can watch from the café area beside. On pleasant days there is an outdoor play ground with swings, slides and a tent shaped climbing frame. Located in the main building of the visitor centre there is a gift shop and restaurant. The gift shop stocks a range of jewellery, bags, ornaments and gifts. Many are made locally with some very nice items on sale. There is a souvenir range and toy section. The Garden Restaurant is open to all visitors and provides a menu with hot and cold options. Dinner and lunch items are served along with a tasty dessert range and choice of drinks. The kids menu has some nice options too. For more information visit www.cragcave.com

Star Outdoors Kenmare

On their website, Star Outdoors Kenmare have a mission statement saying “For you to have FUN, FUN, and then some more FUN!!’ This is an absolute guarantee here. Suitable for family days out, friend trips or even some fun with a difference on a stag or hen weekend! One of Irelands largest water parks comprising of a catapult, rope swing, climbing wall, trampoline, obstacle course, jungle bars and slipping wave. It’s great fun for all ages from 8 years old to 80. With activities such as a cruise around Kenmare bay, kayaking and crazy golf there is something for everyone! Feeling a bit more adventurous? How about a fast paced game of paintball! This would be ideal for larger groups especially those fun Hen or Stag trips! If you are feeling up to testing your fitness and stamina, then they will meet you with a daring challenge of their infamous activity, The Gauntlet! Find your way through the forest, crawling under tunnels and nets, master the monkey bars, balance beams and other obstacles to find your place on their leader board. After all of this strenuous but exciting activity, a visit to Con’s Bar and Restaurant is a must! For more information visit www.staroutdoors.ie