Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

A documentary from the Australian national broadcaster ABC that follows a group of professional hunters. It examines ideas about hunting and asks a question: if we kill an animal for food, is it murder? (First Broadcast 2009)

In 1981 there was a dearth of comedians in Ireland. Comedian Hal Roach despaired at the lack of places for comedy.  In this documentary Des Hickey finds out from the people who put themselves on the line in front of an audience.  He joins the search for Irish comedians and finds Andrew McQuillan who had his big break when he had to prove he was funny in two minutes on the Late Late Show. It also finds legendary comic Syl Fox. (First Broadcast 1981)

For a week in 2007, Liam O'Brien joined up with The Blue Watch, stationed at Anglesea Street in Cork. Their shifts change between day shifts and nights shifts, most are 12hrs. However, nothing is routine when fire and emergency are your business.  (First Broadcast 2007)

Thousands of people die from cancer each year in Ireland. Experts say that the earlier cancer is detected, the more treatable it can be. In this documentary, Ruth Buchanan looks at the different ways in which cancer can be controlled. (First Broadcast 1976)

Maria McCrae spent most of her life in foster care. When she tried to look for her family, social services made the search extremely difficult. This documentary raises serious questions about the rights of children who have been placed in foster care. (First Broadcast 2009)

On March 7th, 1874, Alexander Graham Bell, by just a matter of hours, wins the race in the development and patent of the telephone. What a coup! And the first words ever spoken on the telephone? Bell to his assistance, "Mr Watson - Come here - I want to see you" (First Broadcast 1977)

Everything is local - We journey into the sounds and flavours of a typical parish in 1970's Ireland - into the community of St. Mary's, located in the heart of Limerick city. From the individuals who shape a parish to those who work there. (First Broadcast 1976)

Being old in our society can be tough – apart from sickness and poverty, many old people can feel isolated and lonely. This documentary was made in 1980 when people were only beginning to consider this as an issue.  (First Broadcast 1980)

We have a certain way of joking in Ireland - a certain type of comedy that is difficult to find in other places. This documentary delves into some of the humour heard across the airwaves in the late 1970's.  Whilst laughing along (hopefully) Kevin O' Connor will examine

On October 3rd 1975 republicans, Eddie Gallagher and Marion Coyle, abducted and kidnapped a Dutch businessman, Dr. Tiede Herrema, from near his home in Castletroy, Co. Limerick. 30 Years later, Dr Herremas diary of the crime is made public. (First Broadcast 2005)

The wave-swept lighthouse has always had an aura of romance, but this documentary covers the history of the lighthouses from the days of the medieval lighthouses in Youghal, Co. Cork to the Tuskar Light tragedy of 1812 and the role of the lighthouses in relief operations in places like the Blasket Islands.  (First Broadcast 1980)

Most people who die leave behind a circle of people who will be going on what can be a long journey through grief. Grief is a normal and natural reaction to the death of a loved one. Few of us are prepared for the long journey through grief which is sometimes devastating, frightening and almost always lonely.  This documentary looks at bereavement from a personal and expert point of view. (First Broadcast 1980)

Donncha O'Dulaing talks to some of the women who were heavily involved in the conflict at the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916.  Contributers include Nora Connolly O'Brien, the daughter of James Connolly; Rosie Hackett who was the only woman who was present at Liberty Hall for the printing of the Proclamation; Scottish born Margaret Skinnider was notable for being a sniper and the only woman wounded in the crossfire. (First Broadcast 1971)

A documentary told by those who took part in the 1916 Rising. It is made from archive recordings made by Proinsias Mac Aonghusa in the 1960's, broadcast during the 50th anniversary commemoration as The Week of the Rising (First Broadcast 2006)

Built on the river Lee, the Rebel county is the second biggest city in the country. But what is it like to experience this city though foreign eyes?  What makes Cork tick, what is it that brings this city to life