A moment in modernism’s development in Ireland. By Brian Trench In April 1926 writers Liam O’Flaherty (front cover) and Francis MacManus debated the role of religion in Irish culture. O’Flaherty was ‘strongly anti-church’ while MacManus was ‘defending it’, according to one of those present, fellow writer Rosamond Jacob. All three were members of the Radical … Read more
Irish neutrality in the Second World War. By John Gibney and Michael Kennedy In September 1939 the Second World War began, and in Ireland the ‘Emergency’ commenced. The common use of the term arose from the 1939 Emergency Powers Act and the declaration of a ‘state of emergency’ by the Fianna Fáil government of Éamon … Read more
Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin By Muirne Lyons Rathfarnham Castle is a sixteenth-century semi-fortified house with an eighteenth-century Georgian interior. It was built in 1583 by Adam Loftus (c. 1533–1605), who came to Ireland in 1560 and quickly rose to a number of prestigious positions, including archbishop of Dublin and lord chancellor of Ireland. As archbishop, Loftus … Read more
RTÉ1, 10 June 2019 Directed by Maurice Sweeney By Brian Hanley Angst has been expressed by some commentators regarding the difficulties that the forthcoming centenary of the Irish Civil War will present. I Dolours is a timely reminder that the most contentious anniversaries will actually be those of the more recent Irish conflict. The continuing … Read more
In this ‘decade of commemorations’, it is worth reflecting on Ireland’s long, contentious yet colourful history of commemorations and the role that flags and emblems have played throughout it. By Stan Zamyatin Flags, emblems and commemorations have represented the aspirations of Irish people over centuries, reflecting the political movements that have taken place on all … Read more