Raised in Lismore, Ireland

Immigrated to London and later to the USA

Returned to Ireland after studying at UCLA and Ryerson Institute (date approximate)

Became trainee producer-director with Radio Telefis Eirann (RTE) in Ireland; began making documentaries before moving into dramatic programs

Moved to London; began working for the BBC

Breakthrough TV program, the award-winning "The Ballroom of Romance"

Feature directorial debut, "Cal" starring Helen Mirren and John Lynch

Made second feature, "A Month in the Country", with Kenneth Branagh, Colin Firth and Natasha Richardson

First US film, the comedy "Stars and Bars", starring Daniel Day-Lewis; film abandoned by studio

Helmed the thriller "The January Man"

Returned to London; directed "Fools of Fortune"

Had critical and box office success with "Circle of Friends", starring Minnie Driver

Directed the well-received "Inventing the Abbots"

Helmed the screen adaptation of the hit stage play "Dancing at Lughnasa"

Directed the remake of "Sweet November"