Mayo woman’s inspiring tale from trauma to triumph on big screen
MAUREEN Kearney, one of the most famous whistleblowers in the history of France, is a native of Castlebar, yet relatively unknown on these shores.
Her tale of perseverance has not only cemented her as a beacon for speaking truth to power but she has overcome unimaginable trauma to do so.
Maureen Kearney denounced a secret deal between executives at the French companies Areva and EDF, respectively the builders of nuclear power plants and the main French electricity company, and China Guangdong Nuclear Power Company. France is a major nuclear power and it is said you are never 100km from a nuclear plant.
Kearney believed the deal constituted a dangerous transfer of French technology to China and threatened tens of thousands of jobs at Areva, where she was a representative for France’s largest trade union, the centre-left CFDT.
While at home in her sleepy Parisien suburb in 2012, she fell victim to a life-altering event where she was attacked by masked men, assaulted, mutilated and left tied up only to be found by a cleaner the next morning. The devastating incident left her grappling with its profound impact, struggling to find the words to convey the horror she had endured.
Her inspiring yet harrowing story has now become the subject of a film that brings her story to the silver screen.
La Syndicaliste (Trade Unionist) is the name of the film released last week about the troublesome chapter in Kearney’s life.
Remarkably, her lawyer discovered that crucial DNA evidence from the crime scene had gone missing, casting doubt on the integrity of the initial investigation. Additionally, reports of a white van near her house were disregarded, and, shockingly, another whistle-blower’s wife had experienced a strikingly similar attack years earlier, which had also been suppressed.
The controversial nuclear deal with China proceeded as planned, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs at Areva and the eventual dissolution of the company.
Kearney remains uncertain about the full extent of what she had stumbled upon and its connection to her attack. Nevertheless, she has reconstructed her life in the serene countryside of rural France. Teaching at a local nursery and volunteering at a women's refuge have become integral parts of her healing journey.
Kearney is portrayed on screen by Isabelle Huppert, one of France’s most renowned actresses.
The film's release in cinemas across France has not only shed light on Kearney's story but has also sparked conversations about the dark realities of corporate corruption. It is a gripping thriller that captivates audiences with its portrayal of Kearney's ordeal and her subsequent quest for justice.
Watching her own attack reenacted on film for Kearney has been a challenging experience.
During the initial screening, the intensity of the portrayal compelled Kearney to leave the theatre. However, she recognises the importance of sharing her story and is grateful that it is now reaching a wider audience.
"It was the hardest part of my life, but it's in the past," Kearney, now 67, reflects. "If it can help one woman, then it's worth it."
In 2021, Kearney's remarkable fight for justice featured in the RTÉ Radio One series, 'Documentary On One', in documentary maker Roisin O'Dea's production, L'Agression.