A new film is being released on DVD with exclusive footage from Ireland's Easter Rising in 1916 and the road to the country's independence.
The clips extracted from over 100 years ago are said to be the oldest recorded in Irish history. The film opens with footage from the French Lumiere Brothers in 1897.
The core plot of the film sees the execution of the seven signatories of the Proclamation. Additionally, the documentary also details other notable and moving moments. According to the creator of the Ireland - Birth of a Nation, Gerard McCarthy, “There is an abundance of poignant scenes in the film, such as that of a seated Tom Clarke, self consciously smiling at the camera. Next to him is the wife and daughter of recently deceased Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa. Clarke had already been through 15 years of hardship in British prisons. Nine months after this footage was taken, Clarke would be executed by firing squad for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising.”
Moreover, clips of the film can also be seen portraying the role of women in the revolution including footage of the Irish Women's Council and close-up shots of Countess Markievicz.
“Several women fought alongside the men during Easter Week, Markievicz herself was second-in-command of a rebel position at St Stephen’s Green,” explained McCarthy.
The lives of civilians during the rising were also documented with ordinary citizens being searched by units that were brought in from England.
Additionally, footage is also included of the funeral of Michael Collins in 1922, when over half a million people showed up to pay tribute.
Ireland - Birth of a Nation initally premiered last summer at the Royal College of Physicians in Dublin.