Nick Maxwell By Daragh Fitzgerald The recent passing of the Legacy Bill through the UK Houses of Commons and Lords—a move opposed by all political parties in Ireland, regardless of constitutional persuasion—renders Huw Bennett’s Uncivil war: the British Army and the Troubles, 1966–1975 an altogether frustrating though nevertheless compelling read. Examining the strategy, tactics, rhetoric and actions … Read more
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks By Donal Fallon For many people, RTÉ’s Brainstorm website offered a first introduction to the work of museum curator and GAA historian Siobhán Doyle. While live sports were absent for much of 2020, Doyle’s fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Gaelic Athletic Association explored subjects as … Read more
Written, produced and presented by Patricia Baker Newstalk, 20 August 2023 By Sylvie Kleinman Every monument will eventually come down. They are, by their very nature, antagonistic. This documentary is a thought-provoking stroll through Dublin by Patricia Baker, who explores monuments, specifically statues. Some of the controversies they engender, and what and how we choose … Read more
RTÉ1, 31 July 2023 Directed by Alan Gilsenan By Brian Trench In the opening clip of this documentary, Noël Browne is a guest on RTÉ’s Late Late Show and the host, Gay Byrne, takes a call from a woman who confesses that she once tore down Browne’s election posters on the urging of the nuns … Read more
By Lorraine McCann Amongst the array of documents found in the Louth County Archives are several registers of licences spanning the 1917–50 period created under the Cinematograph Act, 1909. This act, introduced in the United Kingdom, was primarily concerned with the safety of buildings to be used as cinemas as a consequence of fires in … Read more