The documentary ‘Around My Island’ (RTÉ, Tuesday 9.35pm) features Thomas Dolan, a solo sailor undertaking to achieve a record as the quickest person navigating single-handedly around Ireland. However, both of his efforts unravel, creating a less-than-fulfilling documentary. Dolan is open to repeating his endeavour a third time, prompting the question – wouldn’t waiting until he accomplishes his goal render a more satisfying film?
The documentary also lacks consistency. It commences with authoritative narration by Bryan Dobson, a former figurehead of the RTÉ newsroom, giving the impression of an extended regional news segment about Dolan’s accomplishments. Dolan, originally from Meath and now residing in France, is lauded as one of the premier solo sailors globally.
However, the narrative takes an abrupt and unforeseen turn into deep emotional waters when Dolan divulges his suspicion that his unparalleled determination for sailing might have roots in his severed relationship with his deceased father – a heavy drinker. Dolan cuts ties with his father when he was 12.
The one who helped Dolan discover this aspect of his personality was Gerry Hussey, a sports psychologist he collaborated with after his initial unsuccessful attempt to establish the around-Ireland record. Dolan recollects, “My dad struggled with alcohol issues. There were complexities at home. Life with him could get difficult, very difficult. I left with my mum when I was about 12, and I never saw him again.”
Although the film ‘Around My Island’ may not provide the anticipated climax, Dolan, or the ‘flying Irishman’ as French local sailors call him, presents an intriguing figure. His journey from landbound Mullagh in Meath to France is indeed captivating.
Regrettably, besides the abrupt change in mood at the midway point, the documentary fails to illustrate the formidable task associated with sailing around Ireland’s circumference. Numerous scenes portray Dolan battered by rain and winds, and there is what appears to be standard aerial footage of the coastline. However, the documentary, Around My Island, often resorts to narration rather than visual illustration. As an example, while the Irish coastline is characterised as “picturesque, pristine, wild, harsh, and romantic”, such elements aren’t effectively depicted in the footage.
The documentary also includes a dialogue with Pamela Lee, a part of the duo, including Cat Hunt, that broke records in 2020 by becoming the first all-female crew to sail around Ireland. She expresses her admiration for Dolan, yet it begs the question as to why RTÉ didn’t dedicate a documentary to her accomplishments and postpone Dolan’s narrative until achieving his ambitious goal of circumnavigating the nation. A film about the groundbreaking achievement of Lee and Hunt would undoubtedly have been captivating. Instead, the final product is a pleasant but nonessential documentary that seems to be recounting a story that hasn’t quite reached its end.