Review: Is the documentary The Healy-Raes - Blood, Sweat & Tears worth watching?

TD brothers Danny, left and Michael Healy Rae Jerry Kennelly/Local Story Films deep dive review You can watch it on the RTÉ Player. IF THERE IS a more fascinating political family than the Healy-Raes, then this reviewer will eat her flat cap. Patriarch Jackie Healy-Rae came out from under the wing of Fianna Fáil in 1997 to successfully win a seat as an Independent TD. His triumph began a winning streak for the Healy-Rae dynasty that has lasted for 50 years. Currently, his two sons Michael and Danny are TDs, while grandchildren Maura, Jackie Jr and Johnny Healy-Rae are councillors in Co Kerry. The Healy-Rae brand is family and Kerry above all. But this documentary – made by former photojournalist Jerry Kennelly – leads up to a major drama earlier this year, which culminated in Michael stand