From 1979 to 1981, he went freelance, pursuing TV/ Film work and also independent theatre opportunities. In this time, he worked with The Irish Theatre Company (principally touring Ben Traver's A Cuckoo in the Nest). He played David Charters in SOS Titanic (EMI Films) and made two major TV series for RTE, The Burke Enigma , the station's first all film/location TV crime/detective drama produced and directed by the award-winning Brian Mac Lochlainn and Seán, a thirteen hour drama series on the early life of Sean O'Casey, produced and directed by Louis Lentin. He also starred as Artie in RTE's television adaptation of Teresa's Wedding by William Trevor, directed by Donal Farmer. Theatre appearances included Billy Bibbit in a star-studded cast including Liam Neeson, John Kavanagh, Ray McAnally, Joan O'Hara and Tom Hickey in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (Noel Pearson Productions), Simon Bliss in Hay Fever, John Brown in Robin Glendinning's Jennifer's Vacation (Gate Theatre), Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (Louis O'Sullivan Productions) and Alistair Spenlow in Move Over Mrs. Markham (Oscar Theatre).
