Horse drama is set to be a TV gem
 By Trevor O’sullivan
A major new BBC drama series filmed entirely on location in Ireland is
set to air at the end of this month.
Rough Diamond is set against the backdrop of the elegant world of Irish
racehorses and features a number of leading Irish actors.
And the drama looks set to put horsey county Kildare well and truly on
the map.
The storyline centres on the rivalry between struggling young trainer
Aidan Docherty and his millionaire neighbours Charlie Carrick and his
wife Yolanda who run the successful Firebrand yard.
Aidan is set to sell up and begin life again on the other side of the
world in Australia. But just as he is about to sign his late father’s
stables over to wealthy neighbour and rival Carrick, a young stranger
turns up with news that rocks Aidan’s world and convinces him not
to sell.
Among the stellar Irish cast is 44-year-old Dublin actor Conor Mullen
who couldn’t have been happier when he won the role of Aidan because
he lives in Dublin and it meant he wouldn’t have to travel far to
work.
He said: “It was filmed around North Co. Dublin, Kildare and Co.
Meath, which was great.
“It was ideal for me and was one of those dream jobs just down the
road. I was very keen to be seen for the part and just felt like I could
have a crack at it.”
And the actor is very happy with what the ‘crack at it’ resulted
in.
He added: “I think the drama depicts Ireland in a very positive
light.
“I’ve watched a few bits and pieces, and I like it. I think
it’s nicely pitched in a beautiful location and it’s very
accessible. The Irish Tourist Board are going to love it.”
Another Irish actor delighted with their role in the show is bubbly blonde
actress Lorraine Pilkington.
The working mother of two is hopeful that the show could be a regular
gig for her.
She said: “If there’s another series it would be fantastic.
The great thing about a series like this, as opposed to those that are
on the whole year round, is that as a working mother it’s nice to
dip in and out — to do four months and then have six months off
and then do four months again. It’s ideal to do it that way and
still get a bit of time with the little ones.”
n The six-part series — written by Robert Jones — will start
its run on January 28 at 8pm on BBC1.
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