World War 1 on RTÉ takes a comprehensive view of the Great War from Ireland's perspective through a wide range of documentary, drama, literature and in-show features across television, radio, online and mobile.
The full schedule of programming and coverage began with a major World War One Road Show in Trinity College Dublin last Saturday 12th July. This season of programming will extend across the summer and autumn and, for the first time, offers a dedicated online archival exhibition at www.rte.ie/worldwar1.
Noel Curran, Director General RTÉ, stated: “RTÉ is proud to play its role in this reflection and exploration of such an important time in Irish history. RTÉ is uniquely placed to expand the reach and impact of national cultural events and commemorations through the diversity of our output across all platforms; the participation in major national events such as this is a core element of our public service remit.”
The WW1 Road Show is part of a major national retrospective marking the 100th anniversary of World War I. Taking place in Trinity College Dublin, in association with the National Library of Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and RTÉ Radio 1, the Road Show presented a day-long programme of events including lectures, pop-up talks, family events, exhibitions and a memorabilia collection day, where members of the public could bring items relating to the World War I period for evaluation and digital archiving.
Marking the day on which Austria declared war on Serbia, next Monday 28th July, the first of a number of World War I ‘Nationwide’ specials on RTÉ One will be broadcast, focusing on the four Irish regiments which took part in the War. Also on RTÉ Television, a two-part series, ‘My Great War’ (on RTÉ One on 4th and 5th August at 9.35pm) relays personal family stories and examines the impact of the Great War on Irish society. Contributing to the great debate, ‘Ireland at War’ (working title), a discussion hosted by John Bowman, will air on 5th August, 10.35pm and opens the floor to a number of notable academics and historical experts.
RTÉ News and Current Affairs will comprehensively cover events through the season also. On the morning of 4th August, to mark a ceremony at Liège commemorating the outbreak of World War 1, David McCullagh will present a live programme on RTÉ One with guests including Professor John Horne of Trinity College Dublin and, that evening, Bryan Dobson will bring RTÉ's Six One News live from Liège, to include a special interview with President Michael D. Higgins, who will represent Ireland at the Liège ceremony. RTÉ News Online will have coverage throughout the day and RTÉ News Now will stream a commemorative event at the Commonwealth War Grave Commission's St. Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium. This event will also be attended by President Higgins.
A special online and mobile destination for RTÉ‘s commemoration of World War 1, www.rte.ie/worldwar1, is available now. This bespoke web-based exhibition uses photographs, text, video and audio to tell the story of Ireland's involvement in the first World War and features the recorded experiences of Irish men which have been taken from the RTÉ Archives, to give a carefully-curated digital experience of this important period in Ireland’s history.
