Fiddle-laden fake trailer reignites debate about Hollywood’s Irish stereotypes

Clip turned out to be a stunt, but strength of reaction speaks to genuine affront at Ireland's portrayal on big screen

A man in a bar with a flat cap, bloodied knuckles and a dreamy look lays down his whiskey and writes a letter. Dear Erin," he begins, and a soundtrack of fiddles swells as he yearns for his lost love in the distant land of America.

The trailer for the upcoming film - tagline: she was the Irish goodbye he never forgot" - ran in recent weeks in cinemas and online and was accompanied by a poster showing green mountains, shamrocks and a rainbow.