Documentary On One - Rté Documentaries

Ballroom dancing enjoyed a revival during the 1980s in dancehalls all over the country, especially in the west. People flocked to their local community halls to listen to music which brought back memories of youth and past romances. Might they find new love on the dancefloor?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For over four decades, TEAM Educational Theatre Company was one of Ireland's longest established theatres in Ireland. It earned national acclaim working within the primary and post-primary system, and on it's tenth anniversary we hear from students who have been part of this programme from Dublin to Donegal. (1985)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 HolmesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a history of Belfast, from its beginnings as a river-crossing, through its centuries of radical politics and commercial enterprise to the nightmare of the Troubles. Based on the book "“Belfast – An Illustrated History” by Jonathan Bardon (1983).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland has a long tradition of fostering in Ireland. Families have always taken care of the young and vulnerable but many opt to foster children for long periods of time. An insight into fostering, social work and children in foster care in 1982See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kidnapping has had a devastating effect on families in Ireland for decades. This documentary looks at cases of men and women in Northern Ireland and in the South, who have gone missing. Often the mystery remains unsolved and families have to deal with the aftermath. (First Broadcast 1982)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This documentary on the young De Valera and his limerick background is based on Donnagha O’Dulaing’s series ’A Boy from Bruree’. Presenter Donncha O’Dulaing speaks about how the recording came to be. From his early childhood through to primary school and secondary school, Dev talks fondly of these times in Bruree County Limerick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three wishes in the life of John Bradburne. A mystic, pilgrim, and poet he joined the war in 1939 looking for adventure but instead, he found religion. He converted to Catholicism and began his pilgrim across the world. His last journey was to a leper colony in Zimbabwe where he fell victim to its civil war. Did he get his last wish? (1981)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Documentary archive from 1981 looks at the EEC's Economic and Social Committee, the organisation known before the European Union was formed. We hear from diplomats and politicians in Europe about the structure and issues of such an organisation, as Ireland was a relatively new member and many felt it could do more for Ireland at home. (1981)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take a step back to the 1950's and ramble through the narrow streets of Wexford town where its rich and vibrant history can be stumbled upon at every turn. Over the centuries, the people of this medieval town have borne witness to some of the worst massacres in Irish history, famous rebellions, and foreign invasions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established by the British Government in 1831, Irish National Schools were originally multi-denominational. The schools were controlled by a State body and the National Board of Education (mixed religions). Featuring voices, text books, legislation and religion, we explore the founding of the national school system in Ireland (1981)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fastnet biennial race challenges the most experienced sailors as the unpredictable weather means it is one of the most dangerous races in the world. The 1981 race has an air of trepidation as the last time it took place, in 1979, 15 sailors died in what became known as one of the biggest ocean disasters in history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the chances of striking gold in your own backyard? What if your discovery turns out to be priceless? In 1979, Michael Webb and his son, also named Michael, unearthed a treasure hoard on an ancient monastic site in Tipperary that included the Derrynaflan Chalice. Who is entitled to this priceless find, the state or the person who found it?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bedridden following a serious accident on the Canadian railroads, playwright, George Shiels, was inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Paralysed and back in his native Ballymoney, he started writing short stories and plays. His work caught the attention of The Abbey where he later became their leading comic writer.(1981)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vintage cars of all shapes and sizes travelling at a speed of 10mph splutter and chug their way along the streets of London. Cheering crowds wave their flags while sipping on hot cups of tea. This is the longest-running motor event in the world and the largest gathering of veteran cars. Can the old-timers make the journey from London to Brighton?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Irish explorers set off on a 6-month expedition to The Arctic. How do they prepare physically and mentally, and what do they need to do to keep frostbite at bay? What links exist between The Arctic and Ireland? ( 1981 )See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pádraig Ó Caoimh is regarded as one of the most influential fiddle players of all time and the greatest in the Sliabh Luachra style. Born in 1887 in Gleantán, he was the eldest of 8 children from a musical family. A music master, he passed his skills to many pupils and his influence on traditional music can be heard everywhere today. (1980)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The art and science of Public Relations is explored. In Ireland, in 1980, there were 150 full time PR practitioners and it was a rapidly expanding industry at the time. The myth of a gin swilling, cigar smoking PR man who parries tricky questions at press conferences, is debunked. It is more than throwing lavish parties and working a room...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blue Stack Mountains also known as na Cruacha Gorma are the major mountain range in the south of county Donegal. There is a particular history to this area of traditional music, crafts and Irish language. Pat Ward and Joe Gibbons are just two of the locals who speak in this documentary about the changes they've seen in their community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"McCarthyism", as defined by Senator McCarthy, means calling a man a Communist who is later proven to be one. The man, Joseph McCarthy, and the phenomenon, McCarthyism, were two essentially distinct entities. What motivated the man behind the term? (Part 2)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.