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The Irish Civil War

Review of Irish Events 1923

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 […]

Rebirth of a Nation

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This newsreel shows British troops unpacking lorries at the docks (possibly Dublin Port) and leaving Ireland, following the Anglo-Irish War. The interesting aspect of this footage is that it shows that British troops did not all leave immediately after the signing of The Treaty. Here they are departing in the middle of the Civil War […]

A Day of Drama

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This newsreel shows a crowd of people outside Mountjoy Prison in December 1922 in support of, and praying for the hunger striking prisoners.  Lord Mayor of Dublin Laurence O’Neill and Maud Gonne McBride stand outside the Mountjoy Prison gates. Between the years of 1913 – 1922 more than 1000 hunger strikes occurred in both England […]

More than Half a Million Mourners

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August 1922: In this newsreel Michael Collins is lying in repose in City Hall. Thousands of people line the streets outside to wait their turn to pay their respects. The Royal Irish Constabulary officers are working hard to try and hold back the crowds outside the Pro-Cathedral on Marlborough street. Michael Collins was an Irish […]

Funeral of Michael Collins

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In this newsreel from August 1922, thousands of people line the streets waiting their turn to pay their respects to Michael Collins. The Royal Irish Constabulary officers are working hard to try and hold back the crowds outside the Pro-Cathedral on Marlborough street. RIC Soldiers march up O’Connell Street behind the funeral carriage as it […]

Riots in Belfast

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During the War of Independence between 1920 -1922, Belfast experienced some of the worst rioting of the early 20th century, from the summer of 1920 right through to Autumn of 1922. This brief newsreel shows some of the devastation caused by rioting and destruction, as children are seen playing in the ruins and debris of […]