RTÉ television as an effective vehicle for commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising
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Full Text E-thesis
Date
2025-12-31
Authors
Palumbo, Katherine
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Publisher
University College Cork
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Abstract
This research examines the role of RTÉ television in commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising in both 1966 and 2016. Commemoration is a reflection of the ideals held at the time in which it occurs, so the changing social, economic, and political landscape in Ireland between these years is discussed. These shifting attitudes led organisers of each commemoration to highlight different elements of the Easter Rising while consciously ignoring others. These choices are reflected in all aspects of commemorations, including commemorative television content. Therefore, once the values of the commemoration organisers are established, this work examines the manner in which each programme attempted to achieve those goals. The programmes included are Insurrection, 1916: The Irish Rebellion, Rebellion, and Centenary. The former was produced in 1966, while the latter three were all created for the hundredth anniversary of the Rising in 2016. While both commemoration periods have been the subject of extensive academic discussion, there has been remarkably little written on the role that television played in bringing the commemorative events into the homes of the public across Ireland. This work examines the effectiveness of each programme in contributing to the overarching commemorative themes of the era. While some programmes are more successful than others in achieving this goal, analysis of their triumphs and shortfalls is informative. It reveals that television has the potential to be a highly effective vehicle for commemoration, but that ultimately success in this area depends on creators of television content. Balancing engagement with historical discourse and creative techniques that appeal to the senses results in programming that draws audiences in and invites them to engage with national commemorations.
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Keywords
RTÉ , Commemoration , Television , Easter Rising
Citation
Palumbo, K. 2025. RTÉ television as an effective vehicle for commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.