Local businesses to feature in Tullamore Dew TV ad
Two local businesses will feature in a new digital and television advertisement for Tullamore Dew whiskey which was filmed in the town on Monday last.
Film crews headed to Tommy Clarkes Barbershop and Digan's bar on William St. Owner of Clarke's Barbershop, David Feely said he was proud and delighted to work with Tullamore Dew. Speaking about filming David said: “We had a location manager reach out to us six or eight weeks ago. They came in and took a few photos of the shop and said Tullamore Dew needed a barbershop for a scene.”
“I told them about the history of the shop. It's probably the oldest barbershop in Ireland. It's there since 1862.”
The crew got back to David very soon to inquire about using the barbershop. “We were excited for the barbershop to be seen on a global level. To be working with a prestigious company like Tullamore Dew is very exciting for us. They used the shop for two or three hours.”
The barber was cast in the advertisement in three different scenes in the barbershop, in a pub scene and in an alleyway scene. One of his colleagues was cast as an extra.
David has been told by the crew that the ad could be released in about six weeks. He stated: “All the crew and staff were very helpful and kind. We had good fun on set.”
He has been working at the barbershop for the past 15 years and he took over the business in July 2022.
Owner of Digan's pub, Brian Digan also spoke about how his business was approached to feature in the advertisement. “They approached us and looked at other bars and decided on Digan's. They were here all day yesterday (Monday).”
Ninety-five people were involved in filming at the bar including local residents and some Tullamore Dew employees. The filming crew also took some still shots for the televised advert on Wednesday and Thursday.
“It was great that they chose Digan's. There was a great buzz and it brought a bit of excitement to the town.”
The Global Brand Manager for Tullamore Dew, Ian O'Rourke, said: “We shot on Monday and Tueday (last) for our new TV ad that will be aired globally later in the year. We're using local people and people from the distillery for casting.”
The advertisement will run in Ireland along with the US, Czech Republic and Germany and it's focused on talking up the town of Tullamore to the world.