The Double-Band Films documentary directed by Damian McCann and produced by Órfhlaith Ní Chearnaigh focuses on one of the central characters of the 1916 Rising. The controversial Mac Néill played a central role in the founding of the Irish Volunteers in 1913 and the attempted cancellation of the Easter Rising 1916.
The documentary also examines MacNeill’s reasons for that most controversial decision – when, as Chief of Staff of the Volunteers, he issued a countermanding order that attempted to stop the 1916 Easter Rising.
Pivotal moments in this seminal phase of our history are brought to life through dramatic reconstruction, access to MacNeill’s unpublished memoir, interviews with key historians and the personal account of MacNeill’s grandson, former Tánaiste Michael McDowell.
The project was supported financially by the Northern Ireland Irish Language Broadcast Fund, TG4 and BBC Northern Ireland.
Alan Esslemont, Ardstiúrthóir, TG4:
“This is public service content of the highest quality and we are gratified, but not surprised at this latest accolade from our peers in the Celtic media industries.”
