Animated film ‘Dáil Day One’ launched by the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, TD

Dáil Day One is a new film commissioned by Oireachtas TV as part of the Dáil 100 celebrations, the 30 minute film is based upon the events of January 21, 1919, the meeting of the first Dáil in the Mansion House in Dublin.

The film will be broadcast by Oireachtas TV for the first time at 9pm this coming Sunday, September 29.

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl said: “This animated film puts the events of that day into context, detailing the circumstance that drove the members of the first Dáil to set up an independent parliament.”

Oireachtas TV worked with Paper Owl Films to create this project, supported and funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s Sound and Vision Fund.

Michael O’Keeffe, CEO of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland said: “The BAI was delighted to support the Dáil Day One project under the Sound and Vision Funding scheme.

“The application demonstrated quality, additionality and creativity and was considered to be a particularly engaging way to tell the story of the first Dáil to the 11 to 17 year old target audience.”

At the launch Marc McMenamin, a history teacher in Oaklands Community College in Edenderry Co. Offaly was joined by some of his history students at the event.

Ceann Comhairle Ó Fearghaíl added: “It was a privilege and honour to launch Dáil Day One, and the insight of Marc McMenamin who gave a compelling overview of the importance of the first Dáil was fascinating.”

Today’s event followed on from recent Dáil 100 celebrations which saw the restored Georgian Leinster House opened to the public for Culture Night last Friday night.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl concluded: “The Houses of the Oireachtas has played a central part in the life of our people for the past 100 years. This novel film is a key part of our ongoing public engagement programme, and gives people the opportunity to reflect upon the events of 1919.”