Come Here To Me!

Following the screening of ‘The Enigma of Frank Ryan’ at the IFI yesterday, there was a History Ireland Hedge School across the street in Filmbase. As editor Tommy Graham put it, this was sort of a ‘Pop Up Hedge School’, arranged days before the screening and taking advantage of the planned second screening. History Ireland managed to get a strong panel together, with Brian Hanley, Leeann Lane, David O’Donoghue and Fearghal McGarry. McGarry was the ‘historical consultant’ for the film. There were also excellent contributions from the floor, for example from Manus O’Riordan and Sam Nolan. As ever, I recorded the discussion.

Among the issues discussed are Ryan’s relationship (or, perhaps, lack thereof!) with Rosamund Jacob, the Republican Congress, the road to Spain and just what Ryan may have been doing in Nazi Germany during the second World War.

The 'Shankill Road' Republican Congress contingent at Bodenstown, 1934.

Turn your speakers up. Frustratingly the radio-mic was inactive and the three microphones used were rather low, but I find this file audible and clear. Enjoy.