Press Coverage

The Healy-Raes review: Riveting portrait feels like a soap opera moulded out of muck and cunning“This is a riveting portrait of a singular force in Irish politics that makes it plain that, far from their caricature as old-fashioned yokels, the Healy-Raes are in fact something entirely new – and that their image as smashing bumpkins is one they themselves have cultivated.”

Mick Clifford on the Healy-Rae documentary: A political soap opera turned Greek tragedy. Jerry Kennelly’s documentary turns the Healy-Rae family’s political saga into a compelling tale of loyalty, power and betrayal.“The Healy-Raes would have fitted neatly into ancient Greece, with their heroes, homespun philosophy and unique twist on democracy, all taking shape in the shadow of great and mysterious mountains. But above all, as documented in The Healy-Raes: Blood, Sweat and Tears, through their tragedy, Michael takes the role of Icarus, flying too close to power. Jerry Kennelly’s film on RTÉ was compulsive viewing. The Healy-Raes, as depicted in the unobtrusive narrative, would have been box office without the cracking denouement of Michael’s resignation from government earlier this year. But when Kennelly’s timing coincided with that pot of gold, a lively soap opera took on the character of Greek tragedy. “The film’s climax is marked by Kennelly pushing a desperately pained Michael on the contrasting reasons he gave the people of Kerry for leaving them high and dry. Michael, uncharacteristically like a man savaged by the Gods, wants it all to end. “Jerry, can we finish,” he pleads. “Damn it you’re an intelligent man, the sequence of events is clear as a pike staff.” Except Michael’s contrasting explanations are not, and for once he can’t slide off the hook.””

IF THERE IS a more fascinating political family than the Healy-Raes, then this reviewer will eat her flat cap.“Visually, the director Kennelly’s photography skills pay dividends, with sweeping shots of Kerry vistas and unusually-framed talking head interviews. This gives the documentary a slick look, lifting it above your typical fare.”

Great journalism. Best scene I’ve seen on TV in a while.

New Doc Goes Behind The Scenes Of The Healy Rae's Bitter Fallout“Last Word with Matt Cooper”

A closer look at the Healy-Rae row“WED 19 AUG • 32 MINS • BEHIND THE STORY. Documentary maker Jerry Kennelly discusses his new TV doc on the Healy-Raes and how one interview in particular got quite heated!”

‘The Healy-Raes: Blood, Sweat & Tears’ review: Documentary looks inside the political family’s machine as it hits a bump

Documentary maker says Healy-Raes programme gives good insight into Irish politics“Aug 19, 2026 13:02”

I did explain I wasn’t part of the Healy-Rae team, that I’m in the truth business, and that they would have no editorial control. Now there were some members of the family who got a little bit confused about my role and there was some tension.“Who are the Healy-Raes? Do they represent all that is wrong with Irish politics or are they smarter and better at their job than most? A new documentary charts their journey from the time after the last election when Michael Healy-Rae became a minister to the astonishing days when he resigned from government. Dion Fanning talks to filmmaker Jerry Kennelly.”