Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

When St. Brendan’s Hospital at Grangegorman closed down two years ago after 199 years operating as a mental institution, piles and piles of handbags and personal possessions were found in the attic of one of the buildings. Artist Alan Counihan goes in search of the people who owned those possessions. (First broadcast 2015)

James Joyce was an Irish poet and novelist, who is still considered to be one of the most influential writers in Irish history. His work is world renowned and celebrated every second year at the International James Joyce Symposium. Seán Mac Réamoinn attended the second symposium in 1969 and met with various scholars and fans of his work. (1969)

When Gardai entered a chalet on Mayo's Northwest coast in April 2014, they found a scene of desperation and solitude. Scattered amongst the rubbish lay the body of Marsha Mehran, 36. Marsha, an Iranian born, international bestselling author was a recluse and died alone. How did Marsha come to die at the foothill of Croagh Patrick? (Broadcast 2015)

Seán Mac Réamoinn investigates the world of Irish journalism. He looks at how the Irish daily newspapers are produced, the roles of the editors and what it takes to craft a strong headline. He also looks at the different kind of reporters and people who work in the media. (Broadcast 1969)

In 1985, Kerry club Castleisland Desmonds won their first and only men’s Senior Football All Ireland club title. 30 years on, clubman Dan Kearney examines the David and Goliath journey that his local team embarked on - and tells a story that encapsulates everything about club GAA - and a legacy that his small town is proud to have. (Broadcast 2015)

Miracle and mystery plays were a form of medieval drama. These plays were mostly about religion and were used to teach people about the bible. The Abbey Theatre in Dublin ran a series of these plays in the 1960’s. (1969)

After The Shock April 2015, earthquakes in the Asian country of Nepal result in over 8,500 deaths. Half a million homes lost. Tim Desmond travels to see the destruction and poverty first hand. Meeting families who lost relatives, livelihoods and farms, Tim examines how a country copes with disaster. Can new technology help improve things? (First Broadcast 2015)

The first Dáil met in the Mansion House on 21 January 1919 and it asserted the exclusive right of the elected representatives of the Irish people to legislate for the country. This documentary examines the origins, establishment and achievements of the first parliament of the Irish Republic. (1969)

Dylan Haskins unravels a family mystery, and tries to finish what his late father began by answering the question: Is he related to the last man hanged in Wicklow Gaol? And what was the heinous crime that James Haskins committed in order to deserve the ultimate punishment in 1843. (First broadcast 2015) Themes: Prison, Murder, History

Brendan Behan was and still is regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Born in Dublin city in 1923, Brendan wrote poetry, novels and plays, in both English and Irish. This is his story, told by the people who knew him. It also features the voice of Brendan and his music. (1974)

Johnny Jameson, an Irish DJ in the U.K.. He 's spent a lifetime in the music business working with Johnny Cash, Diana Ross, The Beach Boys. He now plays Country n' Irish music for Irish pensioners and on a local radio station.

In 1971, Aer Lingus took delivery of its first Boeing 747 aircraft, the Saint Colmcille. This event was huge for Irish aviation. This flight was documented from start to finish, as it made its journey from Seattle in America to Dublin, Ireland (1971)

In July 2014, Donegal TD, Joe McHugh became Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeltacht Affairs. Only problem? Last time Joe spoke Irish was in school. He had to learn the language fast. We follow him over the last 12 months as he faces criticism, a public deadline and gets to grips with a language politics forced upon him (Broadcast 2015).

In 1926, Dr Douglas Hyde launched the first radio station in the Irish Free State, 2RN. This was the start of something very special in Ireland. In ‘Forty Years of Irish Radio’, RTE’s PP Maguire looks at the history of Irish radio, how it was perceived by the public and meets the men and women who helped make it a success. (First Broadcast 1966)

A young Irish woman dies on the streets of New York in 2011. A few days later, a friend of hers writes an article about her in the New York Times to counter some of the inaccurate stories told about her life. (First Broadcast 2015)