Documentary on One - RTÉ Documentaries

In 1971 Vincent Blackwell was strangled and killed, he was 8 years old. His body was found by Watery Lane, hidden under bottles in a pram. The person responsible for this crime was a 12 year old boy. Why was Vincent killed and what motivates a child to attack another? (First broadcast 2000)

10 yrs ago Nora Nic Con Ultaigh’s learned of an unusual family story – that her great-grandfather from Galway was once, reportedly, the owner of a Caravaggio painting. Could this be true? Did a work from the great Italian artist once reside in Tuam? If so, where is it now? Nora sets off on a trail – hoping to find some answers (Broadcast 2015)

In 1971 Vincent Blackwell was strangled and killed, he was 8 years old. His body was found by Watery Lane, hidden under bottles in a pram. The person responsible for this crime was a 12 year old boy. Why was Vincent killed and what motivates a child to attack another? (First broadcast 2000)

An access all areas look at the mechanics of bringing a play from the page to the stage. How does the director get the most out of his actors, while collaborating with the playwright to make it a success? On the centenary of The Abbey Peter Sheridan’s showcase play, Finders Keepers kicks off the celebrations. ( First broadcast 2004 )

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

At the age of 38 Thomas MacDonagh was executed for his part in the 1916 Rising. This documentary explores his role in shaping Modern Ireland through his literary works and political activism.

Peadar Mercier, the first ever professional bodhrán and bones player, captured the pulse of Irish traditional music. 25 yrs after his death, his son Mel traces his father’s unique life story – from his protestant heritage, to world tours with the Chieftains and a 10 yr adventure with composer John Cage into the world of experimental music. (2016)

James Montgomery was the first Irish Film Censor between 1923 and 1940. Drawing on his memoirs this documentary details the life of one of Ireland's most important cultural gatekeepers. ( First Broadcast 1993 )

Patrick O'Connell was a superstar and a cheat. First Irish captain at Man. Utd; a manager who saved Barcelona FC. This Dubliner's soccer story is of passion, bribery and bigamy: he married two women with the same name and appearance and died in penury.

This 1985 documentary provides an insight into the former East German state, hearing from families and their opinions on a wide range of topics from housing and transport needs to holidays, education, entertainment and religion. The programme was first broadcast in May 1985, compiled and presented by Brendan O’Heithir and produced by Micheal Holmes.

Over the course of last Christmas Eve, an incredible series of events took place on a remote farm in Co. Wexford involving Santa Claus, his reindeers and the Mulready family. Recorded over the last year, we piece together this extraordinary story where Blitzen, one of Santa’s reindeers got badly injured and needed to be nursed back to health (2016)

An examination of the art of busking. Dick Warner speaks to musicians on the streets of Dublin about the life of a busker. They describe the highs and lows of the job, including travelling around the country and abroad, the attitudes of shopkeepers and the general public. Featuring plenty of music recorded on the streets. (First Broadcast 1977)

Patrick 'Bob' Gallagher emigrated to the United States from County Mayo in Ireland in 1962. He fought in the Vietnam war and for his bravery was awarded the prestigious Navy Cross medal. Just weeks later, the 23 year old Marine Corporal was killed in combat. A campaign has started to have a US navy ship named in his honour. (2016)

An investigation into the ICP, a firm in America and Ireland that tests new drugs on volunteer healthy humans, before being used on people with diseases. Doctors, Professors of medicine, pharmacologists, nurses, workers and volunteers for drug testing are included in an exploration of the processes and reasons for testing these new drugs. The protocols of the drug trials are explained and there’s a visit to the laboratory. (First Broadcast 1983)

Irish writer William Trevor passed away on Nov 20th 2016. To mark his passing we revisit his most well known short story, which was later adapted into a TV film, and which led to teenage obsession that just won't go away. Éamon Little and Eugene O'Brien explore the iconic TV film that coined the phrase 'Will you come into the field, Bridie?’ (2016)