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The Irish Independence Films

The Irreconcilable Mr. De Valera

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This footage, shot during March 1922, shows Éamon de Valera giving an animatedly irate speech to a large gathering of people on Sackville Street (O’Connell Street) in Dublin. In this speech he said that if the Treaty was accepted, it might be necessary to ‘wade through Irish blood’ to achieve Irish freedom. Many of de […]

The Surrender of Dublin Castle

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Dublin Castle was originally built at a defensive fortification during the Norman period. It evolved into a symbol and citadel of British rule for centuries, housing the mechanisms of the British government in Ireland. The Viceroy of Ireland (Lord FitzAlan-Howard) and the representative of the British crown resided in the castle and can be seen […]

Hunting in Full Swing in Irish Free State

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This newsreel shows a large turn-out for the 1922 meet of the Ward Union Stag Hunt. The Ward Union Hunt takes its name from the hamlet and river called the Ward in the parish of Finglas in North Dublin and a roadside hotel at the time called The Union. The hunting event occurs annually to […]

The Outgoing President

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The Ministry and members of the Republican Party, who opposed the Treaty, stand for the camera after contesting the policy of the Free State Party at the 1922 elections. On January 14th 1922, a meeting of the members elected to the House of Commons of Southern Ireland was held at the Mansion House, Dublin. At […]

Irish Peace Imperilled by Extremists

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This newsreel dates from December 8th 1921 and highlights a variety of events. The first includes the before and after scenes at the Mansion House, Dublin, when Éamon de Valera stated that he could not recommend acceptance of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. ‘But Dublin’s attitude is obvious’ as crowds cheer on the arrival of Mr. Arthur […]

Irish Free State

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This newsreel, which is predominately text based, declares that ‘after centuries of strife, Britain adds a contented New Dominion to the Crown’. The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed between Irish and British negotiators in London at 10 Downing Street and would determine the future of 20th century Ireland. British Prime Minister David Lloyd George threatened the […]

Further Pictures of Irish Peace

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This newsreel depicts the immediate aftermath of the Anglo-Irish Peace Treaty on December 6th 1921. It shows the release of 1,700 internees from Ballykinlar internment camp. In the aftermath of Bloody Sunday, November 21st 1920, the British authorities arrested hundreds of republicans and opened several internment camps throughout Ireland. The first internment camp was this […]

Forgive and Forget

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The formation of the Irish Free State ‘Recalling the King’s noble plea at Belfast for peace, a plea which has at last borne fruit’. This newsreel shows the royal progress from the Belfast docks, up High Street towards City Hall while Black and Tans occupy an armoured vehicle on Thomas Street. King George V used […]

The Treaty

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Filmed during December 1921, this newsreel shows members of Dáil Éireann exiting University College Dublin at Earlsfort Terrace (now The National Concert Hall). Some of the deputies include, Count George Noble Plunkett, Kevin O’Higgins, George Gavin Duffy, Arthur Griffith, Éamon de Valera and Michael Collins. The Treaty, which would replace the Republic as a dominion […]

Historic Pictures

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This newsreel shows pictures of the elected representatives of Southern Ireland who approved the Anglo-Irish Treaty alongside members of the provisional government. Figures include Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith in the front row. The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in London on December 6th 1921 and Dáil Éireann voted to approve the treaty on January 7th […]

Sinn Féin Cabinet Divided

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In this newsreel from December 1921, Éamon de Valera and Cathal Brugha are shown sitting in a car following their rejection of the Peace Treaty. De Valera had famously not attended the negotiations himself in London but rather chose to stay in Ireland (as he would be better able to control the extremists at home). […]

Peace Council at the Palace

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This is typical of the newsreels’ optimism that a peaceful solution could be found to the Irish question. In spite of the fact that this item reports the ‘splendid news’ that ‘peace was signed’ and depicts amicable interactions between the British and Irish delegation, the negotiations had been difficult and protracted. Michael Collins later reported […]