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Kneecap ft Kae Tempest 'Irish Goodbye' by Thomas James

David Knight - 1st May 2026

The concluding track on Kneecap's new album Fenian - released today (May 1st) - is a deeply personal and moving piece by the band's Móglaí Bap about his sadly departed mother. It's accompanied by a 12 minute short film which incorporates the song whilst addressing its subject in profound terms.

The song is Móglaí Bap's response to the death of his mother by suicide after suffering depression for years, an attempt to reach back to happier times - with the added contribution of Kae Tempest. Set at the wake of a young man who has died by suicide, James's film dramatises the emotional impact upon his family and friends.

Featuring an exceptional cast, with Liam Cunningham and Deirdre O’Kane as the young man's bereaved parents, James's camera is a low-key spectator on brief conversations, snatched between performance sections of the track. The narrative captures the way people use words - including humour - to cope with intense grief. But there is also just the pictures that say everything, particularly the haunted face of mostly silent Cunningham as the devastated father. 

"There’s a line in the track which encapsulates everything I’d like to say, 'It’s not an issue, I just want to say I missed you'. That’s the mentality of this film. It’s not angry at those who have chosen to leave by taking their own life, but it’s compassionate to those that are still here," says James about the film for Irish Goodbye, which follows his videos for the new album's A Liar's Tale and title track Fenian.

"It’s not often I’m candid or honest when I write these things - but this deserves more than hiding behind some shitty quip about the craziness of the shoot, or some arbitrary, benign detail you fully know is going to become a pull quote.

"This film, this song, all deals with something incredibly personal, and incredibly close to my heart, and to many people’s hearts. To be a part of this, to write and think and work, with everything this song is about, has been a privilege - but it also felt like an owed responsibility.

"I couldn’t be prouder to have been involved in something. It’s been a beautiful, sorrowful and contemplative experience - and I really hope that shows in the film. I’m forever grateful to so many people who helped make this one a reality."

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David Knight - 1st May 2026

Tags

  • Director's notes
  • Drama
  • Narrative
  • Pick of the Day
  • Performance
  • Short films
  • Special projects
  • Grief
  • Wake

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Director
Thomas James
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Director of Photography
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2nd AC

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Gaffer

Art

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Wardrobe

Stylist
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David Knight - 1st May 2026

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