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08th Jan 2021

WATCH: A documentary about the two men who got married to avoid tax is coming to RTÉ

Jade Hayden

Sure to be an incredible watch.

A documentary about the man who married his best friend to avoid inheritance tax is coming to RTÉ.

Directed by Donal Moloney, Let the Rest of the World Go By follows friends Matt Murphy and Michael O’Sullivan who announced their intention to wed three years ago, despite neither being gay.

Michael had been friends with 85-year-old neighbour Matt for 29 years when they decided to tie the knot. Matt, originally from Tipperary, said he wanted to leave his Stoneybatter home to Michael when he passed away.

At the time he told Liveline that he didn’t want his friend to be presented with inheritance tax once he died. “He’s my best friend, we’re getting married so whatever I have in my home he can have,” he said.

Matt sadly passed away in 2020, but before his death, filmmaker Monoley spent a lot of time documenting the men’s lives. It soon became apparent that their marriage was not just about avoiding inheritance tax.

Writing for RTÉ, he says: “Two men in a situation where they are both in trouble with life. Matt is frail and craves care and love. He’s alone.

“Michael’s life has been in turmoil for years. A failed marriage followed by a failed relationship has resulted in him losing everything both emotionally and financially. He’s also alone. They now both have one common desire and that’s companionship, love and respect.”

Moloney says that his film will allow audiences to understand the two men more, and to recognise what their relationship was really about.

“Yes, there’s lots of humour but the issues of homelessness, loneliness and depression are also presented to the audience,” he writes.

Let the Rest of the World Go By airs on RTÉ One on Monday, January 11 at 9.35 pm.

You can check out the trailer here:

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