When the case of the 796 Tuam babies became global news in Summer 2014, locals there found the then little-known burial ground of the former Mother and Baby home in the glare of the public eye. Adrienne Corless writes about the need to face difficult truths. A Commission of Investigation, headed by Judge Yvonne Murphy, aims to acknowledge and reveal what was once covered up in the entire country’s … Read More
Dubland 83.
Unreal footage of our dirty old town from way back in 1983. Features coppers moving on pram ladies, the diceman and breakers doing their thang at Stephen’s Green. All filmed on Super 8. Magic. That’s some good YouTube.
When History Goes Bad.
One peculiar myth that has gained currency amongst the TLDR crowd is that of the ‘Irish Slaves’. What sounds like a good story over a couple of pints has become a keystone of white supremacist theory in the USA.
They’re Looting The Town!
While historical re-enactments are all the rage in this ‘Decade of Centenaries’, and we have seen everything from Ulster Volunteer Forces rallies to Fenian funerals re-enacted by enthusiastic historical societies, it’s unlikely we’ll see anyone recreate the looting of Noblett’s sweet shop come 24 April 2016. Donal Fallon has this tale of proletarian shopping in the rare auld times. Somewhat at odds with the popular narrative of the Easter Rising, … Read More
Who Fears To Speak?
Already there has been plenty of uproar about how the government and its cultural institutions intend to commemorate the rising. Sean Finnan takes a look at how conflicting narratives battle over 1916 to legitimise contemporary concerns. Commemorating 1916 has always been both a factitious and contentious event. In 1966 on the fiftieth anniversary of the Rising, the events of Easter week were celebrated with militaristic bravado while in 1991,with the … Read More
Street Stories 1916.
The annual Stoneybatter & Smithfield People’s History Project festival takes place from October 23rd-25th and marks the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Those familiar with the Project will know they run a very successful and acclaimed series of talks, walks, films and events based around the history of the people of Dublin 7 and its near neighbours. Last year’s festival opened with David Jazay‘s project Bargaintown which last … Read More
Songs and Stories.
The last one of these was a real spectacular of chit chat on the creative side of Dublin life. So its no surprise, that our friends in Come Here To Me have returned with another Songs and Stories. This time its in aid of the Rape Crisis Centre who have had their funding hammered beyond belief. Here’s what Come Here To Me have to say about the line up this … Read More
How-A-Ya Horse?
Jamie Goldrick dons his rain gear and heads out for a very wet early morning start to Smithfield Square. There he finds a controversial and almost ancient event. One that lures hordes of camera wielding tourists yet divides public opinion and finds itself being pushed out of the city. There’s been a couple of incidents at the horse fair over the past few years which stand out. A man was … Read More
Bleedin’ Gurrier.
Here’s some madcap looking Situationist inspired agit prop that was handed out around UCD in 1969 and at anti-apartheid demonstrations later that year. The publication was called the Gurriers and was put out by Phil Meyler, a teacher who participated in the Portuguese Revolution. Give it a gander. Great name. Download a PDF. Give the Irish Anarchist History Project a follow for more.
A Battle Fought Before.
In recent months there has been a plethora of housing action campaigns established, all wishing to raise awareness around the issue of working class housing (or the lack of it) in Ireland today. Donal Fallon takes us back to the crowbar brigades and squatting tactics of the 1960s’ Dublin Housing Action Campaign. The 1960s witnessed very real agitation on the issue of housing, with the establishment of the Dublin Housing … Read More