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Newsreels

Films in Newsreels

2m 06s

A Bygone Craft

This 1931 newsreel depicts Irish men making a coracle, a hide-covered boat used for salmon fishing. . The boat-making process is demonstrated to camera, from creating a base with twigs, to weaving the structure and covering it in animal hide for waterproofing. Men then push the coracle out onto the River Boyne and lay fishing nets. The intertitle tells how the Boyne is ‘the only place in Europe where such hide boats are still in use’. This film is part of The Irish Independence Film Collection – The Early Irish Free State that explores facets of Irish society after the War of Independence and up to the birth of the Irish Republic.

3m 55s

A Day of Drama - Trish McAdam Filmmaker Playlist

2m 29s

Along the Line

This 1931 film from the Pathé Pictorial cinemagazine series features the Lartigue Monorail, running from Listowel to Ballybunion, Co Kerry. The steam-powered monorail (originally designed by Frenchman Charles Lartigue) operated from 1888 to 1924 and carried passengers, livestock and freight. In this newsreel we can see how the monorail rides along supported A-shaped trestles. Footage from the roof of the train treats the viewer to footage inside the driver’s carriage as well as exciting shots of the train travelling directly towards camera. Passengers disembark and smile at camera and children wave from the carriages. The line was severely damaged during the Irish Civil War and closed in 1924. This footage, dated 1931, is presumably retrospective film before its closure. Today, visitors can visit The Lartigue Museum and experience a trip on a diesel-powered replica of the original monorail. This film is part of The Irish Independence Film Collection – The Early Irish Free State that explores facets of Irish society after the War of Independence and up to the birth of the Irish Republic.

2m 17s

A Million People Kneel in Worship

The Eucharistic Congress, one of the largest public events to ever take place in Ireland, occurred between the 22nd and 26th of June 1932. As part of the 31st Congress clergy and lay people from all over the world came to celebrate the ‘Holy Eucharist’ in Dublin. The vast scale of the final Congress mass was filmed by many Irish and international filmmakers and newsagencies and showcased the piety of the Irish people. A large crowd gather to pray at Phoenix Park, Dublin, as Michael Joseph Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore begins a mass service. At O’Connell Bridge, on a specially erected altar, Papal Legate, Cardinal Lauri gives benediction. O’Connell Street is thronged with people and political figures Éamon de Valera, newly elected president of the executive council, and Minister Seán T. O’Kelly join the devotions. This film is part of The Irish Independence Film Collection – The Early Irish Free State that explores facets of Irish society after the War of Independence and up to the birth of the Irish Republic.

1m 18s

Autumn Fashions on Parade / Faisean an Fhómhair ar Taispeántas

Cassidy’s department store on South George’s Street is abuzz with excitement as the Autumn Season fashion show commences. Tá na daoine i siopa ilranna Uí Chaiseide ar Shráid Sheoirse Theas lán sceitimíní agus seó faisin Shéasúr an Fhómhair ag tosú. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

59s

A Wet Christmas in Howth / Nollaig Fhliuch i mBinn Éadair

Mr and Mrs Carr brave the cold waters at Balscadden Bay as onlookers cheer them on, in awe of this chilly Christmas tradition. Thug an tUasal Carr agus a bhean chéile aghaidh ar uisce fuar Bhá Bhaile Scadán agus lucht féachana á spreagadh, agus iad faoi gheasa ag an traidisiún fuar seo um Nollaig.

1m 11s

Badminton Championships: Mens’ Doubles / Craobhchomórtais Bhadmantain: Cluichí Dúbailte na bhFear

Ulster and Leinster fight for the title at the All-Ireland Badminton Championships Men’s Doubles in Dublin. Uladh agus Laighean i gcomórtas don teideal ag Craobhchomórtas Badmantan Uile-Éireann na bhFear i mBaile Átha Cliath. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

1m 20s

Bord na Móna Briquette Factory Opened / Osclaíodh Monarcha Brícíní Bhord na Móna

Erskine Childers, Minister for Transport and Power, attends the official opening of the new Bord na Móna factory at Croghan, County Offaly. D'fhreastail Erskine Childers, an tAire Iompair agus Cumhachta, ar oscailt oifigiúil mhonarcha nua Bhord na Móna i gCruachán, Contae Uíbh Fhailí. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

1m 45s

Brittas Bay: Beached Ship / Cuan Bhriotáis: Long ar an Trá

The beached ship Seabank on Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow, is sold to Irish International Shipping. The four-ton cargo ship had become a local fixture, and many residents were sad to see it go. Díoladh an long Seabank, a bhí triomaithe ar an trá i gCuan an Bhriotáis Co. Chill Mhantáin, le Irish International Shipping. Bhí an long lasta ceithre thonna ina gnáthrud áitiúil, agus bhí brón ar go leor de mhuintir na háite í a fheiceáil ag imeacht. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

43s

Christmas Cards Help World’s Refugees / Cártaí Nollag ag Cabhrú le Teifigh an Domhain

Oscar-winning actor Dame Margaret Rutherford visits Trinity College to help promote the launch of charity Christmas cards. Thug an t-aisteoir Oscar-bhuaiteach, Dame Margaret Rutherford, cuairt ar Choláiste na Tríonóide chun cabhrú le seoladh cártaí carthanachta na Nollag a chur chun cinn. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

47s

Christmas Day Swim / Snámh Lae Nollag

The freezing annual Dublin Swimming Club Christmas swim is underway at the Clontarf Baths. Tá snámh reoite bliantúil ag Club Snámha um Nollaig Bhaile Átha Cliath ar siúl ag Folcadáin Chluain Tarbh. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

3m 52s

Christmas in the City / An Nollaig sa Chathair

December 1963: Dublin is humming with excitement as crowds gather to see the Christmas lights and partake in some festive shopping. Mí na Nollaig 1963: Tá muintir Bhaile Átha Cliath lán sceitimíní agus na sluaite ag bailiú le chéile chun soilse na Nollag a fheiceáil agus siopadóireacht na féile a dhéanamh. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

3m 08s

Christmas Lights / Soilse na Nollag

Traffic in Dublin comes to a standstill as crowds gather on O’Connell Bridge to await Santa’s arrival, waterskiing up the Liffey. Tháinig stop leis trácht i mBaile Átha Cliath agus na sluaite ag bailiú ar Dhroichead Uí Chonaill le fanacht le teacht Daidí na Nollag agus é ag sciáil-uisce suas Abhainn Life. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

3m 37s

Connemara’s Appeal

Following the War of Independence, the Civil War and economic depression, Ireland was in a ruinous state. Between 1923 and 1924, wages were cut by 16%, the old age pension was reduced by 10% and a seven day working week was introduced. For farmers, especially in the west of Ireland, harvests were particularly poor and animal stocks died in large numbers due to hunger related diseases and turf, the main fuel resource could not dry due to the wet damp weather. By the beginning of 1925, hundreds of thousands of people were in dire need. In this newsreel we get a glimpse of some of the struggles people in Connemara (considered one of the most impoverished regions) experienced. The conditions were so dire that, even with government aid grants of £500,000, these conditions resulted in many deaths and widespread suffering.

1m 05s

Creation Ball to Help Remedial Clinic / Bál an Chruthaithe chun Cabhrú le Clinic Íocshláinteach

Lady Valerie Goulding hosts a ladies’ fashion show to raise money for the Central Remedial Clinic, in the Shelbourne Hotel Ballroom, Dublin. Reáchtáil an Bhantiarna Valerie Goulding seó faisin do mhná chun airgead a bhailiú don Chlinic Lárnach Íocshláinteach, i mBálseomra Óstán Shelbourne, Baile Átha Cliath. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

3m 08s

Dublin Christmas Lights - Amharc Éireann: Eagrán 185

December 1962 and traffic in Dublin is at a standstill as crowds gather on O’Connell Bridge awaiting Santa’s arrival. Rudolph et al must have been resting for the big night as Santa chose a rather unorthodox method of transport – water skiing his way up the River Liffey to mark the beginning of the festivities. The streets were lit up with a canopy of fairy lights and each shop window was adorned with gifts and decorations. Shoppers bustled through Moore Street and Henry Street ready to snatch up a bargain as the children gazed at the classic toys and goodies on display. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s longest-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. The first 36 issues were produced as single-topic films which were released monthly, followed in 1959 by weekly, multi-story newsreels featuring a broad range of topics, from hard news stories to lighter magazine-style items. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition.

1m 31s

Dublin Shops Highlight Christmas / Siopaí Bhaile Átha Cliath ag tarraingt aird ar an Nollaig

Dubliners prepare for Christmas and visit Pim Brothers & Co department store to ride on ‘the magic gondola’ and visit Santa in his grotto. Muintir Bhaile Átha Cliath ag ullmhú don Nollaig agus cuairt tugtha acu ar shiopa ilrannach Pim Brothers & Co chun dul ar an ‘ghondala draíochta’ agus cuairt a thabhairt ar Dhaidí na Nollag ina uaimh. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

1m 09s

Dublin Students Ban-The-Bomb Protest / Agóid Mhic Léinn Bhaile Átha Cliath i gCoinne an Bhuama

Students from Trinity College take to the streets of Dublin to protest nuclear bomb testing. Thug mic léinn ó Choláiste na Tríonóide aghaidh ar shráideanna Bhaile Átha Cliath chun agóid a dhéanamh i gcoinne tástála buamaí núicléacha. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

2m 05s

Dublin Students Protest - Trish McAdam Filmmaker Playlist

Our second IFI Filmmaker Playlist is curated by filmmaker and visual artist Trish McAdam. Since the production of her early shorts in the 1980s, Trish has created a vibrant and varied body of work, embracing a range of forms and subjects and retaining a singular, independent voice. We're delighted to welcome Trish to the Irish Film Institute to select her top picks from films preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive and presented on the IFI Archive Player. November 1961 and students from Trinity College marched the main streets of Dublin in protest at nuclear bomb testing. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, CND, was established in the UK in 1958 in the wake of widespread fear of conflict and the effects of nuclear testing. CND quickly grew with branches in Scotland, Wales and Ireland. This newsreel recorded Irish student protesters as they marched in Dublin from St. Stephens Green to the Ambassador Theatre on O’Connell Street. Their placards demanded 'Ban the Bomb' and called for world peace. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s longest-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. The first 36 issues were produced as single-topic films which were released monthly, followed in 1959 by weekly, multi-story newsreels featuring a broad range of topics, from hard news stories to lighter magazine-style items. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn.

1m 00s

Dundalk Races / Rásaí Dhún Dealgan

The Dundalk Autumn Races are underway near the Cooley Mountains. Tá Rásaí Fómhair Dhún Dealgan ar siúl in aice le Sléibhte Chuaille. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

2m 30s

Ennis

A study of the sleepy village of Ennis, Co. Clare, in the 1940s and how Shannon Airport affected daily life in the locality. While Pathé’s lens focuses on primitive thatched cottages, a narrator describes how Ennis ‘clings to the old ways of life’. A young boy fills a bucket from a street pump and the voiceover tells how ‘water for a wash or a drink still means a long walk for someone’. Shannon Airport is only sixteen miles away and the locals have noticed a change. Cars, once a rare sight in the village, now ‘disturb the peace and quiet’ and hold up traffic on narrow country lanes. 23-year-old hotelier Josette O’Regan, however, anticipated the rise of footfall and marketed The Old Ground Hotel to tourists and airlines. This film is part of The Irish Independence Film Collection – The Early Irish Free State that explores facets of Irish society after the War of Independence and up to the birth of the Irish Republic.

1m 09s

Furs of the Future at Chinchilla Show / Fionnaidh na Todhchaí ag Seó Sinilí

P.J. Holland, a judge from Wales, inspects the coats and assesses the quality of the fur of hundreds of chinchillas. P.J. Holland, breitheamh ón mBreatain Bheag, ag déanamh scrúdú ar na cótaí agus ag déanamh measúnú ar cháilíocht an fhionnaidh atá ag na céadta sinsilí. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

14s

Gaol for a Kiss

This newsreel features a laughing Julia Clarke who fled Ireland after being sentenced to one month in gaol for kissing her boyfriend. Julia Clarke, from Glasgow, was sentenced by Dundalk Court for kissing her boyfriend on church property at Blackrock, Co. Louth. According to a news article at the time, ‘the local vigilance committee was shocked and the Dundalk Justices were so scandalised that, although Miss Clarke already had returned home to Glasgow, they passed the sentence “with a view to keeping her out of the country for ever”. Her unnamed boyfriend had already appeared before the Court and was ordered to pay a small fine. Ms. Clarke was the first woman sentenced under Eamon de Valera’s ‘Vice Act’. In this newsreel, she doesn’t appear too worried about the sentence. This film is part of The Irish Independence Film Collection – The Early Irish Free State that explores facets of Irish society after the War of Independence and up to the birth of the Irish Republic.

55s

Gardai Depot Auction / Ceant Iosta na nGardaí

60 cars are up for auction at the Garda depot, Dublin. Tá 60 carr ar ceant ag áras na nGardaí, Baile Átha Cliath. Produced by Gael Linn, Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) is Ireland’s first long-running indigenous newsreel series. It was distributed to cinemas throughout the country to promote the Irish language. Between 1956 and 1964, 267 editions of the newsreel were produced for cinema exhibition. With kind permission of Gael Linn. Léirithe ag Gael Linn, ba í Amharc Éireann (A View of Ireland) an chéad sraith dhúchasach de nuachtríleanna fadbhunaithe in Éirinn. Dháiltí iad ar phictiúrlanna ar fud na tíre leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Idir 1956 agus 1964, léiríodh 267 eagrán de na nuachtríleanna le taispeáint sa phictiúrlann. Le caoinchead ó Gael Linn.

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