Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

November 8th 2007 marked the 20th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing in Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Eleven people were killed and sixty three were injured. In this documentary, two women who lost family during the Troubles, reflect on the human cost of the Northern Conflict. (First Broadcast 2009)

Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh fled Ireland numerous times. He went to London in search of freedom and to be recognised in English literary society. In this documentary, Kevin O'Connor explores Kavanagh's life and career. (First Broadcast 1976)

In 1945, women laundry workers went on strike for a second week's holiday. The strike removed over 1,500 workers from 13 weeks of work, and affected 14 laundries in Dublin city. This documentary tells of a historic conflict over workers' rights. (First Broadcast 1995)

‘’Mary X’’, an intellectually handicapped mother of nine, spent most of her life on the streets. Instead of receiving the one-on-one care that she needed, Mary fell through the cracks in the system and her children were put into care. (First Published 2008)

For some there's no greater high than a horse winning or a late goal or a royal flush in poker. But this is more than a thrill - it's a bet - the kind of high you get addicted to. And that's not something which changes very much over time. Gambling can become an addiction and this documentary examines the social effects of gambling, addictions and rehabilitation.  (First Broadcast 1975)

In 1980, Ashford, Co. Wicklow became a popular destination for writers from all over the world. They arrived to nestle into their beautiful surroundings. But why? This documentary tells of the draw to "the Valley" for these writers (First Broadcast 1980)

This award winning documentary tells the story of a sister and family who grow up with an intellectually disabled brother. This is an intimate and beautiful window into one families love for each other. (First Broadcast 1996)

In 1975 Kieran Sheedy and Dick Warner headed off to discover the sport of coarse fishing. For those not in the know coarse fishing is river or freshwater fishing for species such as pike, bream and perch to mention a few. After that, it's a baiting and waiting game.  (First Broadcast 1975)

The story of migrant workers from North Mayo and their travel to Scotland to pick potatoes during the 20th century.  We hear about the history and tragic deaths of some of the immigrants.  It had been prohesisesd that the first and last trains to Achill would carry the bodies of dead people.  (First Broadcast 2005)

Irish road bowling is an ancient sport. It's centered in Ireland - in Co Armagh and Co Cork. The game is played by throwing an 800 gram bowl or "bullet" along a country road course, up to 4 km long, and the fewest throws wins the contest. (First Broadcast 1975)

Irish whiskey was one of the earliest distilled alcohol drinks in Europe, arising around the 12th century.The Old Bushmills Distillery claims to be the oldest surviving licenced distillery in the world, although the Bushmills company was not established until the late 18th century.  Irish whiskey comes in several forms; grain, blended, single malt, pure pot still.  This documentary investigates just what it takes to make whiskey of the highest standard, and what it is that makes the Irish so famous at this craft.  (First Broadcast 1979)

With over 110 million sheep, Australia is one of the most sheep-populated countries in the world. But what is life like carrying out the biggest job in the sheep calendar? Here, sheep shearers are given a voice (First Broadcast 1997)

The story of Ned Kelly - reconstructed from contemporary records by Bernard Share. Ned was an Australian bushranger who, in 1880, was hanged for murder. Known for defying the colonial authorities, Kelly was born to an Irish convict father (broadast 1981)

Charged with minding our seas, our coastline and much else besides, this documentary tells the story of the Irish Naval service.  Barraí Mecall explores the history of the military service and important figures from the Navy.  (First Broadcast 1980)

Aodan O Dubhghaill presents some of the social issues addressed by the legendary Co. Kildare singer songwriter Christy Moore in his songs. This documentary touches on issues covered by Christy - anything from Knock Airport to soccer to travellers. (First Broadcast 1996)