Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

Martin Lavan came from Mayo, and it is claimed, but disputed, that he was one of Michael Collins' assassination squad. On the day after Civil War broke out, Martin killed two men. He then assumed a disguise and fled to America where he became a lawyer. (First Broadcast 2000)

Saint Colmcille was born in Donegal on December 7th, 521, the son of a chief related to princes then reigning in Ireland and Scotland. Today, many Irish and Scottish Catholics are still devoted to St Colmcille and absolutely revere him. But why? (First Broadcast 1974)

This programme tells the stories of migrant workers from Achill in Co Mayo, who would travel to Scotland to work picking potatoes in the 19th century. According to local folklore, the first and last trains carried the bodies of dead people, who passed away during these journeys. (First Broadcast 2005)

A hobby for some, a career for others, the men and women behind the craft of musical instrument making in Ireland and the painstaking trial and error that it takes to get the sound of a particular instrument just right.  Synonymous with Ireland is the Irish Harp - we hear about the creation of this instrument and about its place in Irish society.

The Isle of Anglesey is the largest Welsh island in the U.K. Anciently know as the Isle of Mona, it lies off the north-west coast of Wales. Connected to the mainland by two bridges, it has the longest place name in Britain. (First Broadcast 1976)

At the end of 2007, Donegal VEC had an idea: take 50 teenagers - lock them away in an adventure centre for 5 days. Throw in musical instruments, music teachers and a composer. The project was called "Tuned In!".  Ronan Kelly followed the teenagers and adults over the 5 days and recorded the final concert. (First Broadcast 2008)

In the early hours of the morning on the 8th Jan 1979, tragedy struck just off the head of Bantry Bay, Co. Cork when an oil tanker exploded on Whiddy Island. A look at the aftermath of this disaster which saw the loss of 50 lives and the negative effect it had on the community. (First Broadcast 1981)

A look into the darker side of Christmas - a season that can bring as much sadness as it does joy.  Bereavement, homelessness, poverty, loneliness - this are all problems that can be magnified during the festive season. This documentary talks to single parents, Belfast families after internment and people in hospitals. Frank Crummy, a social worker from the ISPCC, talks about how children cope when their father deserts the family. (First Broadcast 1973)

A two-part programme made on the first CIE Express bus from Dublin to Glasgow. Sean Mac Reamoinn is joined by a host of people including their Scottish guide and philosopher, Hamish Anderson for this guided tour from Belfast to Glasgow. (First Broadcast 1971)

26.2 miles is a long way to run. Myles Dungan ran the Dublin City Marathon back in 1981. He takes us on the 26.2 mile journey from training to finish line and gives a play by play of his progress along the way.  He speaks to runners about the sport and why they put themselves through the ordeal. (First Broadcast 1981)

Robb Bradstock arrived in India just as it has been announced that the Dalai Lama, then 54 years old, is to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. At that stage, the Dalai Lama had been 30 years in exile. This documentary is a personal encounter with a people struggling to maintain a culture and religion in exile and was recorded in 1994, at a stage when the Tibetans had been almost 35 years in exile.  (First Broadcast 1996)

The Catholic religion has thousands of saints.  What is a saint? What characteristics does a person need to achieve this distinction? Are there too many saints already? This radio documentary, first broadcast in Easter Week 2003, looks at sainthood in the time of Pope John Paul II.  (First Broadcast 2003)

An award winning story about Matt and May.  They returned to the midlands form the UK because of ill health.  May has Alzheimer's disease and the couple have swapped roles, with Matt taking over domestic tasks, a role he never inhabited during the first few decades of their marriage.  This is a story of love, loss and a solemn promise. (First Broadcast 2007)

A two-part programme made on the first CIE Express bus from Dublin to Glasgow. Sean Mac Reamoinn is joined by a host of people including their Scottish guide and philosopher, Hamish Anderson for this guided tour from Dublin to Glasgow. (First Broadcast 1971)

Single women who became pregnant and women who were unwanted by their families for other reasons were sent to live and work in the Mary Magdelene Home Laundry in Galway.  Some spent the remainder of their lives there.  This documentary includes descriptions of the conditions in the laundry.(First Broadcast 1992)