National Library of Ireland

Ó Pheann an Phiarsaigh

The Writings of Pearse "A visually compelling major new film for TG4 on one of the most enigmatic and controversial leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising was launched this evening at the newly restored Pearse family home in Dublin by the Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Bob Collins. Ó Pheann an Phiarsaigh is an hour-long dramatic montage from award-winning director Alan Gilsenan that draws solely on Pearse's own writings as it attempts to weave an artistic vision ...

A Lesson from history

Herbert Moore Pim was raised in Lisburn, Antrim. Raised Presbyterian he converted to Catholicism. In his thirties he became an Irish Nationalist, or ,appeared to be.  He was given a high degree of trust and informed of the plans for 1916. His house was used to stockpile arms before they were issued to the Volunteers. At this point, he decides he wants out and under death threats runs off to the heart of Empire, London. He then became a staunch Unionist, writing for a journal. One of his attempt...

The Blood Connection: ‘The Rose Tree’ – William Butler Yeats

This is an inspirational poem by W.B. Yeats. It expresses how once again we can bring Ireland back to a state of health and well-being through the selfless action of men and women performing deeds in good-faith and with justice in mind. As highlighted in the poem, only through the blood can lasting salvation and new meaning be achieved. This concept of 'blood', far from simply highlighting a component of the physical body, is rather a call to use the body, this intricate assembly of flesh, i...