Unique Boxing Event
This newsreel shows a ‘unique boxing event’ from 1926 at McKee Barracks in Dublin. Teams representing the British and Free State Armies meet for the first time in an inter-army Boxing Contest.
Newsreels
Dublin Calling
1
Dublin 1925 and in this newsreel the press launch is taking place for the first broadcast Radio station in the Irish Free State, 2RN. The long wooden building (Nissen Hut) was home to the transmitter based in McKee Barracks beside the Phoenix Park at Blackhorse Avenue and their studio was located on Little Denmark Street […]
Longford Memorial
August 27th 1925: A memorial to the fallen soldiers who fought in World War I is revealed in the main square of Longford town by Major General Sir William Hickie, who commanded the 16th Irish Division. Southern ex-servicemen pay tribute and remember the dead, while wreaths and flowers are laid at the foot of the […]
Connemara’s Appeal
This newsreel shows the hardship endured by the people of Connemara following the economic recession that came in the wake of political turmoil. Ireland was in a ruinous state, following the War of Independence, the Civil War and economic depression. Between 1923 and 1924, wages were cut by 16%, the old age pension was reduced […]
Solving Boundary Question
This newsreel dates from December 11th 1924. It shows members of the Boundary Commission beginning, what is described as, a ‘purely informal’ tour of the boundary wall. Although the names of the commissioners are not given, they are most likely Dr. Eoin Mac Neil, J.R Fisher and Mr. Justice Feetham. The border wall was a […]
The Seat of All The Trouble
This newsreel shows the first images of the ‘much debated’ Ulster border wall. A member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary stands guard, looking over the dry stone wall in Belleek, County Fermanagh. Another stands guard at the top of a turret under an Irish National Flag. The border wall was a delicate issue and the […]
Review of Irish Events 1923
This newsreel is a compilation of events that happened in Ireland during 1923. The events are varied in content and tone but provide an interesting perspective on a country reaching the end of one of the most revolutionary periods in its history.
Cenotaph to Michael Collins
This newsreel, filmed in August 1923, shows the unveiling of a Cenotaph to honour the memory of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith. It marks the first anniversary of their deaths and is unveiled in Dublin. This was a wooden structure that contained plaster medallions of both men. By 1939 the structure had become dilapidated and […]
Sandycove Gala
It is Summer, Dublin, 1923 and this newsreel shows the footage of annual Sandycove Gala and Dun Laoghaire Regatta in full swing, with some additional shots of Pembroke Cricket club in Sandymount. The crowds are dressed in their finest attire to cheer on participants, a man conducts a group of boys playing instruments and swimmers bravely […]
Free State or Republic
Scenes of polling stations at the Irish general election are shown in this newsreel, where the main issue being voted on was whether the country should remain a Free State or become a full Republic – the goal of de Valera’s Fianna Fáil party. Crowds of people gather on Marlborough Street and Free state soldiers […]
Fleet Visits Belfast
The British fleet visits Belfast and ‘Liberty men’ come ashore (‘Liberty men’ was the term used for navy soldiers who were allowed off the ship). Four destroyer war ships are seen anchored as sailors hang over the railings of a vessel, cheering to the camera. A passenger boat crowded with sailors passes, the men clambering […]
Heroes Honoured
In this newsreel from August 1923, a Cenotaph to honour the memory of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith is unveiled in Dublin on the first anniversary of their deaths. Similar to the other newsreels dedicated to this unveiling, this one has footage taken from a different angle, revealing William T. Cosgrave in attendance. This was […]