'I just hope it helps someone' Laois widower on his role in So This Is Christmas movie

The bereaved Abbeyleix family who opened their door and their hearts to take part in a lovely new Irish film about Christmas, have been overwhelmed with the widespread warm reaction to it across Ireland.

Jason Phelan and his sons Cathal, 12 and Setanta who turns 8 shortly, welcomed Portarlington filmmaker Ken Wardrop into their home last Christmas, in the midst of their grief at losing their beloved wife and mother Roxy to cervical cancer.

Roxy had passed away the previous February after her long, courageous battle and her volunteer work to help other women living with the disease.

Jason spoke to the Leinster Express ahead of the Laois premiere of So This Is Christmas in the Dunamase Arts Centre this week.

His story is one of five, all featuring Midlands people for whom Christmas is a difficult time.

“It has been a privilege to meet those people. Everybody is fighting some battle in their lives, is struggling in some shape or form. I hope the film helps people to be more sympathetic and aware, and to get a bit of humanity back, maybe check on your elderly neighbour. Despite all the rushing and racing, to take time with people,” he said.

A still from the film So This is Christmas of the Phelan family in Abbeyleix.

He described how they came to take part.

“I was approached after Roxy died to ask would I be interested. My brain wasn't as sharp, first I was sceptical but then I thought it would be an opportunity and maybe Roxy crossed our paths for a reason.

“I met and talked with Ken and he gave me the gist of it. I could see the measure of what it was about. I introduced him to the kids and they were won over by him.

“I knew it was going to be a huge challenge. I thought it would be a form of therapy, to help the boys talk openly which I encourage.

“This time last year they were filming. You can't go off script because it's the truth, it's only your account of life events.

“Ken and his crew were amazing. They were very sympathetic and understanding. There was a lot of empathy and emotion. They became part of the family. They finished on Christmas eve at 5.30pm,” he said.

He and the boys Cathal and Setanta went to the red carpet premiere in the Everyman Theatre, Cork.

“We were blown away. It's a very unique film. I think it will be timeless. I feel Ken has hit the nail on the head.

“The kids are very proud to be a part of it. Roxy's sister Victoria is super proud too.

“It's not just our story, I think every human can take away something. Christmas can be a ticking timebomb. For me it was always a time of reflection, even in the good times. You think of those less well off,” Jason said.

It was difficult to watch too he said.

“I knew it was going to be emotional. I thought that I was doing pretty well last Christmas. But to sit there, I could see how broken I was. You think you're treading water but really I was nearer to rock bottom. But when you'r e at the bottom you can only get back up. I won't be the same.

“Cancer robs you of everything, emotionally and financially. You face the cost of the treatment and at the end of it all it takes the one you love. It's horrendous, it's torture,” Jason said.

He hopes it might remind people of what he feels is the true meaning of Christmas.

“It is to give time, because no-one knows how much we have left.

“Time is important. Hope is important.

“In our household we always had hope, hope that Roxy's treatment would work, that she would go into remissions, every day we had hope.

“Now I hope I get it right with the kids. It's daunting raising children. I think the best thing is actually to say no sometimes, yet you strive to go withouth to make sure they have what they need,” Jason said.

The crew followed the family as they prepared for Christmas last year, including Jason ordering his turkey from local butcher Bob.

“Bob is a gentleman, it was nice to be able to incorporate my community. We are blessed to have a lot of good people around,” he said.

The film is getting rave reviews already, and the local reception is also warm.

“The feedback is great, people are taking the time to message me. It's not just sad there are laughs and giggles too. It's our own story, it's honest and it's something very special. We gave our time for no financial gain. I just hope it helps somebody,” Jason Phelan said.

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It is not the first time he has been in the public eye. Jason is the Bord na Móna worker who saved the Cashel Man bog body from becoming milled peat moss, after he spotted it and turned off his machine, alerting authorities back in 2011. The remains are now credited as being the oldest fleshed bog body in the world, housed in the National Museum. 

So This Is Christmas will receive a special screening in the Dunamase Arts Centre on Friday, December 8, tickets €10 with mulled wine and mince pies reception beforehand at 7pm, and a Q&A with Jason on the night.

It is also playing in the Odeon cinema complex in Portlaoise.