Film about Rising a big hit with schools

WITH the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising just one year away, a film documenting the events leading up to the rebellion is proving hugely popular with schools.

‘Ireland: Birth of a Nation’, produced by Gerard McCarthy, tells the story of how Ireland went from being part of the British Empire to becoming an independent state.

The film is narrated by Irish actor Gary Murphy and includes very rare black and white footage of the events leading up to the Easter Rising, the rebellion itself, as well as the War of Independence and Irish Civil War.

Gerard has been showing his film to primary and secondary schools since November and plans to continue doing so until the end of June.

He says the response from students and teachers has been excellent. As well as showing the 30-minute film, Gerard includes a questions and answers session after each showing.

“Many students have been recounting stories of the part played by their relatives in the conflict,

? Gerard reveals.

“One had a relation who fought in the GPO; another had a relation killed by the Black and Tans.

?

The film itself is highly visual, entertaining, educational and brings this important period of Irish history back to life.

It is also being translated into Irish which will be of interest to Gaelscoileanna pupils.

Teachers interested in having the film viewed by their students can get in touch with Gerard McCarthy via the contact details on his website (www.irelandbirthofanation.com).