Lurgan Short Film Revives 18th Century Graveyard Tale
A short film titled 'Lived Once Buried Twice' recounts the story of Margorie McCall, linked to a headstone inscription in Lurgan Shankill graveyard. The film became available on YouTube on Easter Sunday after a festival run.
Margorie McCall, wife of a doctor, fell ill with a fever in the 18th century and was buried promptly to prevent infection spread. Mourners left her valuable ring on her finger due to difficulty removing it. Grave robbers later tried to take the ring, cut her finger, and drew blood.
McCall then awoke from her coma, sat up, and cried out. One robber died on the spot. She walked home, where her husband John died and was buried in the same grave she had left.
Lurgan native Olivia Rose Beatty wrote and directed the film as her debut. Northern Ireland Screen provided funding. Production took place over two days in January 2025.
Filming occurred at Ulster Folk Museum, Lurgan The Cellar Bar, and Shankill graveyard. The cast and crew completed a dark comedy.
The film premiered at Louth International Film Festival last year. Actor Marcellus Kearney received a Best Actor nomination there. It concluded its festival run at Cinemagic On The Pulse Film Festival in Belfast QFT, winning Best Live Action (Fantastical) award.