Single Handed

Jack Driscoll (Owen McDonnell) is transferred from Dublin back to his birthplace in the remote west of Ireland as Garda Sergeant, the role recently vacated by his father, Gerry (Ian McElhinney).

The series was inspired by a conversation writer Barry Simner, creator of ITV's The Vice, had with a friend in the Welsh police force who described how policing a rural community differs from city policing. Your precinct is vast, the terrain extreme and the community more scattered. You are always on duty. There's nowhere to hide

Series 1

Garda Sergeant Jack Driscoll (Owen McDonnell) has just been posted to the remote coast of West Ireland - the area where he was born and raised. His first case concerns the mystery surrounding the death of Sylvana, a young immigrant. His efforts to find out who she is and why she died lead him into the dark heart of the local community, revealing shocking secrets that threaten to engulf everyone, including his own father Gerry (Ian McElhinney). Jack must summon all his courage to bring the law to a place which has lived by a different set of rules.

Single handed was shot on Hi-Def, on location in Connemara, County Galway, in October 2006, and following its March broadcast it has been recommisioned for a second 2 x 60’ series.

Credits
Written by Barry Simner
Directed by Colm McCarthy
Produced by Clare Alan
Executive Producer Rob Pursey

Series 2

Garda Sergeant Jack Driscoll (Owen McDonnell) is back for another investigation in the Single-Handed Series.

JACK is handed charge of the search for a toddler snatched from his home by his estranged father after a county-wide search is scaled down. As concern for the boy mounts, JACK’S new lover, local GP, DR MAGGIE HUNTER (Caroline Catz), becomes embroiled in the investigation, putting their relationship under increasing strain.

Meanwhile, a national Tribunal into allegations of police corruption has reached this remote corner of Western Ireland, and Jack’s father, former Garda Sergeant GERRY DRISCOLL (Ian McElhinney) has been called to account. He’s running rings around the lawyers until Garda FINBARR COLVIN (David Herlihy) inadvertently drops him in it. Gerry’s life is further complicated when an unwanted ghost from the past, MALACHY DORAN (Mark Lambert), turns up. Over thirty years ago, Gerry accused MALACHY of child molestation and chased him out of town.

Jacks’s diligence and compassion ultimately crack the case but he still has a lot to learn about his father on the way.

Single-Handed 2 was filmed in Connemara, Co.Galway, in October 2007, on Hi Def.

Credits
Written by Barry Simner
Directed by Anthony Byrne
Produced by Clare Alan
Executive Producer Rob Pursey