A new series of short documentary films outlining the story of the Irish Citizen Army will be launched by the SIPTU Dublin District Council at an event in Liberty Hall tomorrow (Tuesday, 5th June) evening which will be addressed by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha. The new documentary series entitled ‘Our Army’: A People’s History of the Irish Citizen Army outlines the history of the organisation from the 1913 Lockout through the 1916 Rising and War of Independence to battles with the ‘Blueshirts’ in the 1930s. The documentary is divided into 14 short films of between two and four minutes in length, which are each based in a local community where the SIPTU Dublin District Council unveiled a plaque commemorating the Citizen Army during 2016. The whole series will be able to view at siptucollege.ie/ICAfilms. Prior to launching the films at the event in Liberty Hall to commemorate the Irish Citizen Army and the 150th Anniversary of James Connolly, its Commandant General during the 1916 Rising, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha, said: “The story of the Irish Citizen Army is one that is not only integral to the fight for freedom but also the history of the working class of Dublin. This was an army raised to fight the oppression of trade unionists by capitalists which went on to widen its battle to one that took on imperialism. “The Citizen Army played a crucial role in not only winning a degree of political freedom for the working class of Ireland but also invigorating the cultural and social life of Dublin. Its struggles are ones that should inspire future generations of political activists.” He added: “‘Our Army’: A People’s History of the Irish Citizen Army can play a crucial role in bringing the story of this organisation, and the working class men, women and young people who comprised it, to a much wider audience.” SIPTU Dublin District Council joint secretary, Racheal Ryan, said: “The story of the Irish Citizen Army is one of the most important chapters in the history of trade unionism in Dublin. It is one that continues to inspire SIPTU activists in Dublin as they campaign in their communities on social and economic issues such as housing, healthcare and city planning.”
Lord Mayor to launch series of documentary films on the Irish Citizen Army
