0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- The Irish-Welsh connection - is a big deal...
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- ..not just for my father - but for many Welsh people.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- Wales has an obsession - with the Emerald Isle.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- Perhaps there's - an element of guilt to it...
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- ..because Irish nationalists - have achieved more than us.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- I'm glad Dylan's joining me - on this journey...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..because I'm sure - he was fed up of seeing me...
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- ..poring over books about Ireland...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- ..and playing Irish records - from dusk till dawn.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- It's all he heard as a child.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- It's all he heard as a child.- - GUNFIRE
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- The 1916 Easter Rising...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- ..sparked many years - of bloody battles in Ireland...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- ..against British rule.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- We've both - forged careers in broadcasting...
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- ..but as an author and journalist...
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- ..getting to the heart of the story - is in Dad's blood.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- The story of the Irish Rebels - has captivated him.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- Our home was a mini Ireland. - It must've rubbed off on Dylan.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- He's interested in the history and I - hope I can teach him more about it.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- Dad first visited Dublin - in 1966...
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- ..for the Easter Rising's - 50th anniversary.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- It's there that he met icons of the - campaign for Irish independence...
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- ..who were interned at the - Frongoch detention camp near Bala.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- Dublin folk are very special to me.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- I relish every opportunity - to go there.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- What'd be interesting...
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- ..is finding out what - initially sparked Dad's obsession.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- It'd be nice to hear - why he's so fixated by it...
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- ..and why he fled to his study to - spend many hours at his typewriter.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- It's engrained in him. - It's part of his character.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14- Half a century ago...
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- ..celebrations were held - to commemorate the Easter Rising...
0:02:20 > 0:02:21- ..and the battle for independence.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- 900 of those 1916 rebels - were there that day.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- Thousands more - witnessed this historic event.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- Half a century later...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..and memories of the rebellion - are still as vivid.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- The streets of Dublin on Easter - weekend this year were heaving.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- As he did - on his first visit in 1966...
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- ..this year, Dad celebrated - with the unofficial procession...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..held a month later.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- This is incredible, - it's so colourful.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- I didn't expect people to dress up. - It's a party.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- It's a big party, and it should be.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- Some say we shouldn't celebrate...
0:03:04 > 0:03:08- ..but if it happened to us in Wales, - I'd certainly celebrate!
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- As John Bwlch-llan'd say, - "It's jolly here!"
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- I've heard all the stories about - 1966 but there's a serious side too.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- That's when Dad's interest began.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25- That's when he discovered...
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- ..that Frongoch - was part of Ireland's story.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- His obsession started from there.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- His obsession started from there.- - I was in a book shop in Dublin...
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- ..and the shop owner - heard me speaking Welsh.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- He called me over and said, "That - man there has spent time in Wales."
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- He was referring to Joe Clarke, who - had been interned at Frongoch...
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- ..for six or seven months.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55- He'd fought in one of the bloodiest - battles of the Easter Rising.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- Joe became - a very dear friend of mine.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01- I thought the world of him.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- He's interested in people.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- They were ordinary folk - back in 1916.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12- They were teachers and shopkeepers - who'd decided enough was enough.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- I'm sure - that's part of the appeal too.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- 700 years of British rule - had left its mark on Ireland.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- After generations - of being oppressed by the English...
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- ..came a Catholic middle class, - intent on changing the status quo.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- During the 1900s, Irish culture - enjoyed a renaissance...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..in its history, language...
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- ..and sports, and the country - became a hotbed of radicalism.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Socialist leader James Connolly - led a famous lockout in 1913...
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- ..in which 20,000 workers went - on strike to demand better rights.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54- Calls came for - a measure of home rule for Ireland.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- The idea was to have - a parliament in Dublin...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- ..that'd safeguard home affairs...
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- ..whilst allowing Westminster - to take care of the rest.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- That's what the majority - of Irish nationalists wished for.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- At the outbreak of the First - World War, Irish nationalists...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- ..were led to believe...
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- ..that if they proved themselves - to be good citizens...
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- ..within the British Empire...
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- ..then Britain would certainly - grant them home rule for Ireland.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- To ensure their home rule...
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- ..more than 200,000 Irishmen joined - British troops in the Great War.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42- But for radical nationalists, - home rule wouldn't be enough.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- They saw an opportunity to realize - the dream of an Irish Free State...
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- ..with the slogan, England's - difficulty is Ireland's opportunity.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- The revolt's main figures...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..were - the Irish Republican Brotherhood...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- ..a small, - secret revolutionary movement.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- Other institutions - began forming alliances with them.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- The Irish Volunteers, - the Irish Citizen Army...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- ..and Cumann na mBan, - the Women's League.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- All these organisations - believed that using violence...
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- ..was a way - of ensuring political objectives.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- They were essentially terrorists...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- ..though books - refer to them as rebels.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- Dad's very fond of his rebels.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36- Society's most colourful characters - - Pete Goginan and Cayo Evans...
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- ..of the Free Wales Army.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- Meic Stevens'd call by our house. - That didn't happen in other homes!
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- But I didn't find it unusual - at the time.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- The fact that those - who were rebelled in 1916...
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- ..were true rebels - must've greatly appealed to him.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- They were ordinary people - who'd had enough.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- The 1960s - were exciting times for us.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- We did plenty of protesting.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- Plaid Cymru - was on the brink of victory...
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- ..Cymdeithas yr Iaith - launched its road signs' campaign...
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- ..and us young people - were defying convention.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- There's no doubt - that our visit to Dublin...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..charged the batteries - and inspired us.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- Not only from Ireland...
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- ..but it was important we witnessed - the language struggle...
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- ..and the struggle for home rule for - Wales in an international context.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Our visit to Ireland...
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- ..reminded us that we were - part of something much bigger.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- I went over for the celebration.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Some call it a commemoration.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- It's a celebration for me, - because, unlike us...
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- ..the Irish - have something to celebrate.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- The Welsh have always been cowards - and that's how we'll stay.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- There were two processions.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- The official one - and one with the IRA...
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- ..before the atrocities of the '70s.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- My father was - in the middle of the IRA parade...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..and many Welsh people disapproved.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- It remains a sensitive issue - to this day, as it was in 1966...
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- ..whether you're celebrating - or commemorating a bloody chapter.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31- In '66, the older generation of - Welsh nationalists trod carefully.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- Since we enthusiastic youths - made heroes of these people...
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- ..there was hope that Wales - could go in the same direction.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Looking back, we were - playing with fire, to some extent...
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- ..because we were commemorating - a military rebellion.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- While Plaid Cymru members - marched with the official parade...
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- ..we, as the Free Wales Army...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..joined the unofficial parade - with the IRA.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- We were marching alongside - the heroes who fought in 1916.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- It was incredible.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- I began to hero worship these men.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- For us in Wales, - we had to go all the way back...
0:09:16 > 0:09:17- ..to Glyndwr and Llywelyn.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- But these men - had fought a battle...
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- ..just before I was born...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- ..and they were still alive.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- Following him around Dublin - is an experience in itself...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- ..because you see the main sites - where the revolt took place.
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- He'd lead me down alleyways and say, - "Joe Clarke used to live there.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- "This is where the snipers stood."
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- There was something of note - on practically every street.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- The rebels' objective...
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- ..was to control - Dublin's civic centre buildings.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- The rebellion had been planned - for Easter Sunday...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- ..but due to a misunderstanding...
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- ..the head of the Irish Volunteers, - Eoin MacNeill...
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- ..had ordered everyone - not to take action...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..in an article in a newspaper.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- There was a lack of clarity...
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- ..as to - when the revolt would happen.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- On the Monday...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..only 1,200 rebels showed up, - far less than expected.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Arrangements were very disorganised.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- It was like any other - national holiday in Dublin.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47- The Liffey's docks were quiet, - ships were idle...
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- ..but throughout the night, - 1,200 rebels...
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- ..put their plans in motion...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- ..to seize the - city's municipal buildings.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- Led by James Connolly and - Patrick Pearse, the first rebels...
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- ..marched into the Post Office.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- The Republicans - held regular parades.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- The British soldiers just thought - it was another ordinary parade...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..but this time they meant business.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- John McBride - was on his way to a wedding...
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- ..when he saw the men marching.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- "What's going on?" he said. "We're - rebelling." "I'm coming with you."
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- In the city centre, the insurgents - drew nearer to their targets.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- City Hall, Dublin Castle, - Liberty Hall, Four Courts.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- At 12.20pm, the Irish Volunteers...
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- ..and Citizens' Army - stormed the General Post Office.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- The old Irish notion - of a revolution...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- ..meant seizing a building...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- ..reinforcing it and occupying it.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Why did they choose - the General Post Office?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- It's a civic building, - it's strategic...
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- ..but I think they chose it - as a symbol of Britishness.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- That's why they seized the building.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- The General Post Office served as - their headquarters for the week.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- Shortly after the attack, - Patrick Pearse read out...
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- ..the Proclamation - of the Irish Republic...
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- ..signed by himself, James Connolly, - Thomas Clarke, Eamonn Ceannt...
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- ..Sean MacDiarmada, Thomas - MacDonagh and Joseph Plunkett.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- This was their statement - for an Irish Free State.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- It was obvious - Pearse had written the proclamation.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46- You could tell it'd been poetically - written by a literary man.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- He was inducted into the Gorsedd of - the Bards of the Isle of Britain...
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- ..at the Cardiff Eisteddfod in 1899.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- His bardic name...
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- ..was Areithydd (Orator).
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- On the morning of Easter Monday...
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- ..he stood on the GPO's steps...
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- ..to read the proclamation - like a true orator.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Pearse's speech - was a direct appeal to the heart.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- To him, safeguarding - the culture and language...
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- ..was as important - as winning political independence.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- Someone who recounts the story to - thousands of visitors each year...
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- ..is historian Lorcan Collins.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- Alright, comrade? How's it going?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- How are you doing? - You're a dangerous man.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- I'm Dylan. It's nice to meet you.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- I've heard a lot about you.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- I've heard a lot about Mr Lorcan - Collins. He's quite a character.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- After meeting him I understood - why Dad is so fond of him.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- He's a breath of fresh air.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- He's a lovely bloke. - He makes history come alive.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Many think - there might've been thousands...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..listening to Pearse - declaring this Republic.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- Really, if 20 or 30 were listening, - that's almost an exaggeration.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It seems that - there was so much going on...
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- ..with people building barricades - and windows smashing...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- ..that people moved away - halfway through it.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- But it's still a wonderful document - to Irishmen and Irishwomen.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- And that lovely line...
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- .."The Republic guarantees - religious and civil liberty...
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- "..equal rights and - opportunities to all its citizens."
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- It declares its resolve to the - pursuit of happiness and prosperity.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- "Cherishing all the children - of the nation equally."
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- That's a very important aspect.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Patrick Pearse was - one of the most remarkable figures.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- He was a schoolteacher, a poet...
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- ..a promoter - of the Irish language...
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- ..and a devout Catholic.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- For him, bloodshed at Easter...
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- ..gave it important symbolism...
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- ..and was a means - of resurrecting Ireland...
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- ..into a new world.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- I don't think it was - Patrick Pearse's intention...
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- ..to plan a revolution - in a detailed way...
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- ..so that by the end, they would - wind up in power at Dublin Castle.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- There was something almost - dream-like about his intentions.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- He wasn't fighting - to win a battle...
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- ..he was fighting - to win on a more symbolic level...
0:15:45 > 0:15:51- ..so that they would reach the GPO - and announce a statement of intent.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- Here we are, the Republic.
0:15:56 > 0:15:56- .
0:15:58 > 0:15:58- Subtitles
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- Croke Park, Dublin, the spiritual - home of Irish nationalism...
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- ..and home of - the Gaelic Athletics Association...
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- ..established 100 years ago - to promote culture...
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- ..and safeguard traditional sports - such as hurling and Gaelic football.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- GAA and Croke Park - has been an integral part...
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- ..of the Irish struggle - for independence.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- We're in Croke Park for the final.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Dublin against Kerry - - two of the country's biggest clubs.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- There's a crowd of 82,000.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- I've seen Wales play football here.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- The goals are familiar but - the rugby posts attached to them...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- ..makes it different, - so I hope there's a spare seat!
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Journalists are people - who get to the root of the story.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- That's what Dad's done all his life. - There's always more to every story.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- I've tried to follow - in his footsteps and failed.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- Commentating on football isn't quite - as significant as being a reporter.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- There were 1,500 rebels in Dublin...
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- ..in 1916...
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- ..but there were - 10 times more Irishmen...
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- ..fighting - in the British Army's ranks.
0:17:35 > 0:17:41- Those complexities meant - that Dublin's ordinary citizens...
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- ..initially regarded - the revolutionaries as traitors...
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- ..rather than heroes.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- A large majority - of Dublin's citizens...
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- ..had other - everyday practical matters...
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- ..on their plate...
0:17:58 > 0:18:03- ..so the idea of supporting - an armed rebellion wasn't welcomed.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- The charismatic socialist, James - Connolly, was one of the leaders.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- With his vision - for an independent Ireland...
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- ..he inspired thousands of Irish - to join the campaign.
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- From their HQ at the Post Office, - Connolly, Pearse and Plunkett...
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- ..tightened their grip - on the civic buildings.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Edward Daly and his battalion - occupied Four Courts.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Eamon De Valera - occupied Boland's Bakery.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Thomas MacDonagh - occupied the Jacobs Factory...
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- ..Eamonn Ceannt - occupied the South Dublin Union...
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- ..and Michael Mallin - occupied St Stephen's Green.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- Knowing they were in trouble...
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- ..Britain deployed - thousands of soldiers to Dublin...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- ..but 1,000 Sherwood Foresters - were held at Mount Street Bridge...
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- ..the main entry route - into the city.
0:19:01 > 0:19:07- They came here, up that road - on their way into the city centre...
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- ..but, of course, Joe Clarke - and six others were expecting them.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- Two or three of them - were in Clanwilliam House...
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- ..two or three others - waited for them over there.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- They were ambushed, - with no hope of escaping.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- After five hours - of fierce fighting...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- ..the rebels - ran out of ammunition...
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- ..and the British gained entry - into the city centre.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- My old friend, Joe Clarke, - was in amongst it all.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- A soldier caught Joe...
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- ..he took Joe's pistol from his - hand, pointed it at his forehead...
0:19:48 > 0:19:49- ..and pulled the trigger.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- Thank goodness it didn't go off.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- The doctor arrived and said...
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- .."There's been too much bloodshed - today, give me the gun."
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- Joe was detained and taken to - Richmond Barracks for questioning.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- Joe Clarke was one of - the sweetest men I've ever met.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- He was a very short man - - just over five foot tall.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- He wore jam-jar spectacles....
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- ..and leaned on crutches.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- He was the last person on earth - I'd imagine with a gun.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- The rebellion's bloodiest battle - took place on Mount Street Bridge...
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- ..with more than - 250 fatalities or casualties.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- The rebels - had fought with their hearts...
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- ..against the world's - largest professional army.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- At home, we have a romantic image - of what happened here.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- You forget about the British and - the youths who were killed here too.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- It's awful.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- One message reads, - "In memory of all who died here."
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- Britain deployed a warship, - the Helga...
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- ..up the Liffey to fire shells - across Dublin's city centre...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- ..until it was completely destroyed.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- The General Post Office - was burnt to a cinder.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- On the Thursday afternoon...
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- ..James Connolly - sustained serious injuries...
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- ..to his leg and arm - at the Post Office.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- On the streets outside - the massacre intensified.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- Though prime figures such as - the socialist James Connolly...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..were prominent in the rebellion...
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- ..little reference is made - to all the civilians involved.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- By the end of the week...
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- ..there were - more ordinary citizens killed...
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- ..than the fatalities - on the two military sides.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- The British Army showed no mercy.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- It was intent - on quelling the rebels.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- They had work to do...
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- ..in the trenches of France.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- During Easter week, - almost 500 people lost their lives.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- More than half - were civilian deaths...
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- ..and many were children.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Hostility - towards the rebellion grew.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- As with every rebellion...
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- ..it's the innocent people who - suffer, many of whom are children.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- Pearse realized - that the revolt had been in vain.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- He decided to send messages - across the country, saying...
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- .."We've given it a go, - now it's time to surrender."
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- With 2,500 rebels - facing 20,000 British soldiers...
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- ..Pearse ordered everyone - to lay down their arms.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- The city's streets - were completely destroyed.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- The insurgents, along with - their leaders, were arrested.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- Britain was determined to put an end - to the rebellion once and for all.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- A decision was made - to shoot the rebellion's leaders.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- This was the most - fateful decision of them all...
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- ..during Easter week.
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- It was the catalyst that - turned an unsuccessful campaign...
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- ..into a national plight...
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- ..that transformed - the country's politics and fate.
0:23:36 > 0:23:36- .
0:23:37 > 0:23:37- Subtitles
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- By the end of Easter week in 1916...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- ..more than 2,500 - had been either killed or wounded...
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- ..including 40 children.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- Knowing there was no way of winning, - Patrick Pearse surrendered...
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- ..and the leaders were rounded up...
0:23:59 > 0:24:04- ..including the seven who'd signed - the Proclamation on Easter Monday.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- Britain's response was to - punish them in the most extreme way.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- By executing them one by one.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- As he was of American descent, - Eamon De Valera's life was spared.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- It wasn't the prime minister - who gave the order...
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- ..neither was it Lloyd George, - the War Secretary...
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- ..but Viscount Wimborne, Ireland's - Chief Secretary, who was Welsh...
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- ..a descendent - of the Guest family of Glamorgan.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- He ordered the execution - of the 15 rebels.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- There's a chill here, though - we're sheltered from the wind.
0:24:55 > 0:25:00- They've kept it simple. - It's such a stark setting.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- It was a perfect place - to execute people in private.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10- Something tells me that they were - quite willing to take the bullets.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Willie Pearse, Patrick's brother...
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- ..wanted to die.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- If Patrick was going to be shot, - then so would he.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- The only reason they shot Willie was - because he was Patrick's brother.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- This is Pearse's letter - to his mother...
0:25:41 > 0:25:44- ..that he wrote - the night before his execution.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47- It's a famous letter - and it's plain and simple.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- He says, "Don't grieve for me, - I'm doing this for a free Ireland."
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- This is what he wanted.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- He was willing - to sacrifice his life.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- Pearse expected it.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- He believed in bloody sacrifice.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- "There's nothing but our own red - blood can make a right Rose Tree."
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Connolly was more of a pragmatist.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- Ordinary folk - were Connolly's people.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- They were - very different characters...
0:26:20 > 0:26:25- ..but together they created - an unconquerable union.
0:26:26 > 0:26:32- I've been standing at the stank - where Connolly was shot.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37- That's one of the most pitiful - scenes I've ever imagined...
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- ..thinking about this man, - who was shot in his leg...
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- ..and carried on a stretcher - into Kilmainham yard.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- He couldn't stand on his feet, - so they sat him in a chair.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- They had to tie him to the chair...
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- ..so he would sit upright.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- According to the story...
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- ..or myth, - no-one's sure which is true...
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- ..seconds before the bullets - hit him...
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- ..he held his head high.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20- British authorities hadn't foreseen - the effect the executions had...
0:27:20 > 0:27:24- ..on public opinion in Ireland.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- It's one thing to execute a man...
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- ..who's in optimum health...
0:27:34 > 0:27:36- ..who's fought a rebellion...
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- ..and who's used violence - against you.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- It's another matter - when you execute a man...
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- ..who's unable to stand...
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- ..and executing a man in a chair.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- As the news began to emerge...
0:27:54 > 0:27:59- ..the Irish began to reconsider - the rebellion's objective.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- It's very peaceful here.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- There's no birdsong...
0:28:15 > 0:28:17- ..which is odd.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- I don't know - if it's me romanticising...
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- ..but it's - a sobering feeling coming here.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- All the bodies were - thrown into a large hole here...
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- ..and covered with limestone...
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- ..so that they disappeared quickly.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- They didn't - want to make martyrs of them.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46- They refused - to give the families their bodies.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52- This is probably the - most sacred place in Dublin today.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- Sean MacDermott.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- And the man himself - - James Connolly.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- Being here - has made me appreciate it more.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- What happened in the aftermath...
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- ..changed - the course of Ireland's history.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- What happened to the heroes - who signed the Proclamation...
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- ..and the way they were treated.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- You feel yourself - becoming more nationalistic.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- It's hard not to be affected by it.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Hearing about - the execution of Patrick Pearse...
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- ..and especially James Connolly - changed the opinion of the Irish...
0:29:33 > 0:29:39- ..prompting a counter response - to what Britain was doing.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- That is to say...
0:29:41 > 0:29:45- ..that is the real starting place...
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- ..of the revolt against Britain.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- "Ugly holes - in Cnoc an Arbhair's skull
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- "15 empty graves guffaw
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- "Like the greedy mouths - of vulture chicks
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- "Waiting for their carrion
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- "Around them - a regiment of upright Easter lilies
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- "Hold their heads high
0:30:09 > 0:30:11- "Challenging bullets of rain
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- "As they greet the dawn - of late spring."
0:30:26 > 0:30:26- .
0:30:27 > 0:30:27- Subtitles
0:30:27 > 0:30:29- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:30:32 > 0:30:37- Today's a special day - since it was almost a century ago...
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- ..that the first three prisoners...
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- ..came to the Frongoch camp.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- They were later joined...
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- ..by a further 1,860 - in the following weeks.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Commemorating the centenary - of the prisoners' arrival...
0:30:56 > 0:30:57- ..is very important.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03- I don't think that people in general - are aware of Frongoch's history.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- You associate that area - with Tryweryn.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- It's dominated Welsh history - for so long...
0:31:11 > 0:31:16- ..you forget about the area's - other history a stone's throw away.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- Following the execution - of the Easter Rising's leaders...
0:31:23 > 0:31:27- ..more than 2,500 Republicans, - many of whom hadn't fought...
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- ..were imprisoned - in Irish and British jails.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- The least dangerous were sent to - Frongoch detention camp near Bala.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- Among them was Michael Collins.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42- Age 26, he was the rebellion's - youngest military leader.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- He became a big name in - the history of Irish independence.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- Once a concentration camp - for German prisoners...
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- ..the prison was ideal - in terms of size and location.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- The men would've been escorted - from the train station...
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- ..and led down this road.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- There was a high wall of barbed wire - on both sides of the road...
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- ..and electric wire - surrounding it all.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- On the right here - would've been the north camp.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- Three dozen wooden huts...
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- ..and three dozen men in each one.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- The south camp was here.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22- It was once a distillery.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27- Lloyd Price from Rhiwlas - wanted to brew Welsh whisky.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- Apparently, - the heat was intolerable here...
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- ..while it was too cold - on this side...
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- ..so the men referred to them...
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- ..Purgatory and Siberia.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- A 15-year-old local - worked in the camp's canteen.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- Johnnie Roberts got to know Michael - Collins and his crew very well.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- I was the only Welshman there.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- They started calling me - the Little Welshman.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- They liked me - but detested the English.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Those who were - in the south camp...
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- ..complained the most.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- The place was so wet and damp...
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- ..that the poor Irishmen had to - sleep in dire wet conditions...
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- ..that was also overrun with rats.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- In the June of this year - people flocked to Frongoch...
0:33:25 > 0:33:28- ..to commemorate - the internment of the rebels.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- Back in 1916, Michael Collins - and his fellow prisoners...
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- ..were surprised to see the Welsh - language thriving in the area.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- Some of them - even learned the language.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- It inspired them...
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- ..to resurrect the Irish language...
0:33:45 > 0:33:46- ..by providing lessons.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- They also practised - military manoeuvres too.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- They learnt guerrilla tactics - of hit and run...
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- ..instead of capturing buildings.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- These men were shrewd.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- They were preparing - to create an Irish Free State.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- They put us all in one camp.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- We got to know our counterparts - from all over Ireland.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- We learned a lot about tactics...
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- ..in guerrilla warfare...
0:34:18 > 0:34:24- ..and educated themselves in the way - to form an army and succeed.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- Anger had been brewing - from the start.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- Britain had interned them - without a release date...
0:34:34 > 0:34:38- ..with no opportunity to defend - themselves in a court of law.
0:34:41 > 0:34:47- To me, internment is one of - the most diabolical punishments...
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- ..inflicted on man.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- Imprisonment without sentencing...
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- ..and without a trial.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- But the Irish - seized the opportunity...
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- ..to retrain themselves - in weapons' training and warfare...
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- ..in order to run - an Irish Free State.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Many people describe Frongoch...
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- ..as the University of Revolution.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- British authorities had interned - these radical young men...
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- ..in one place, and what happened?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- They became - more radicalised together.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- Britain hadn't learnt its lesson.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- This was highlighted at Frongoch...
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- ..by one of the prisoners.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43- He said, "We're all together here."
0:35:44 > 0:35:48- 200 of them - had never even held a gun.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50- But on their release...
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- ..they'd obviously - learnt the tricks of the trade.
0:35:54 > 0:35:59- They were much more republican - than any of those who went in there.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07- Patrick Pearse said, "Only one thing - is worse than an armed Unionist...
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- "..and that's - an unarmed Republican."
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- Though he'd played - no part in the revolt...
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- ..Dennis McCullough - was interned here.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18- He told his son - very little about it.
0:36:19 > 0:36:24- They decided there was too much - unhappiness family-wise, hatred...
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- ..so they just kept silent about it.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32- I find it very emotional - because of the reality of it all.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36- That on this very field - that it all happened.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41- There's a genuine sense of community - and I'm very moved by it all.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- Anger grew - over squalid living conditions...
0:36:46 > 0:36:50- ..and the fact that many - had been wrongly interned.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54- Many went on hunger strike and - disease swept through the camp.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- Frongoch's doctor was under so much - pressure, he committed suicide.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- On his first day - as Prime Minister of Britain...
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- ..Lloyd George released the - Frongoch prisoners in December 1916.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- But the damage had been done.
0:37:14 > 0:37:19- The disorganised rebels of - the Easter Rising were now ready...
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- ..to battle for independence - once again.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25- The Welsh-language publication - of the book...
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- ..made me realize how much history - was involved in the uprising.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- The Irish - love hearing about Frongoch.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- They start realizing how important - this rural village is...
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- ..in Ireland's history, - and Dad's book has helped that.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45- It's taken years - for the importance of Frongoch...
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- ..to come to people's attention.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54- It's one of the most significant - places in Ireland's history.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- What was learned at Frongoch...
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- ..has travelled worldwide.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04- People who are fighting for freedom - have adopted the same tactics.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- A contentious figure - in Irish politics...
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- ..is the MP and - Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- How's the craic?
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- Good to meet you. - Been looking forward to this.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- A thorn in Britain's side, - he was imprisoned several times.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- Following the IRA's bombing campaign - in the early 1970s...
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- ..he was sent - to Maze Prison, Long Kesh.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- Like the inmates of Frongoch, - he was interned without trial...
0:38:35 > 0:38:40- ..which still happens worldwide - today in places like Guantanamo Bay.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Thank you for your approval.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- In a recent blog, - Gerry Adams commented...
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- ..on how much he'd enjoyed - Dad's book about Frongoch.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- You've written about this - very well. I want to complement you.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- It's a very important piece - of Irish and Welsh history.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- And the part that was in cages...
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- ..just reflects - exactly what Long Kesh was like.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- To be interned without trial...
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- ..locked up, how did you feel?
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- I was badly beaten myself - on a number of occasions.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22- But, you know, - anybody who's not afraid is a fool.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- It isn't being afraid - that's the issue...
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- ..it's being able to overcome it - is the challenge.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- When you were interned, you were - interned without a release date.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- When you were sentenced, - at least you had a release date.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- That made a difference - in terms of...
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- ..some people's psychological - approach to doing their time.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- I've written on this for you.
0:39:46 > 0:39:51- "From Frongoch, onwards to freedom. - To Gerry Adams with admiration."
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- Well done.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- It's a lovely historical record...
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- ..and is incredibly important.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Thank you very much.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07- I'll show you the Welsh one. You - wouldn't be able to understand this.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- The only Welsh phrase I have - is iechyd da (cheers).
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Meeting Gerry Adams - was completely surreal.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- He's such a famous figure, - and he was there, in front of us...
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- ..sitting down - having a chat with Dad.
0:40:23 > 0:40:29- Like Frongoch, he was interned - during a very turbulent time.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- He's now a political figure...
0:40:32 > 0:40:34- ..which might confuse many.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- Once a terrorist, now a politician.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- But that's what happened - after the Easter Rising.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- Rebels became politicians.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- You've made his year. - It's fantastic.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- You've made my life!
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- I'd always thought of Gerry Adams - as a hard man...
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- ..and a pragmatist...
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- ..but he's nothing like that.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- He's a warm man - with a good sense of humour.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- I feel privileged - to have met the man.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11- Upon his release from Frongoch - in December 1916...
0:41:11 > 0:41:16- ..Michael Collins, Joe Clarke, - Dick McKee and Richard Mulcahy...
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- ..rose to prominence.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22- They were the new architects - of the Free Irish State...
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- ..committed to fulfilling - the 1916 Proclamation.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32- Britain thought it could revive - the old notion of home rule...
0:41:32 > 0:41:38- ..but the idea of carrying on - with business as before...
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- ..was completely untenable.
0:41:41 > 0:41:46- There was extreme polarisation - in Dublin in 1916.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- It was impossible - to imagine one parliament...
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- ..that would unite - the entire county.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59- Sending Collins et al to Frongoch - was Britain's worst mistake.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- It was there that they established - themselves as Sinn Fein...
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- ..and went on to win - a resounding victory...
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- ..in the 1918 General Election.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14- They published the Free Irish - Republic and angered Britain.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17- The IRA - also had its roots in Frongoch.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- It was Sinn Fein's new armed branch.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- Under Collins' leadership...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- ..it waged war - on Britain once again in 1919...
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- ..in the Irish War of Independence.
0:42:29 > 0:42:34- By the 1920s, - the only way of securing...
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- ..an acceptable settlement - was to divide Ireland.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43- But, of course, - Republicans regarded Ireland...
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- ..as a united country.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- The 1916 Proclamation...
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- ..had stated it would 'cherish - the nation's children equally.'
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- But that was merely a pipe dream.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02- Britain - had to negotiate a settlement.
0:43:02 > 0:43:08- Michael Collins and Lloyd George - agreed on a division of Ireland...
0:43:10 > 0:43:13- ..partitioning - the new Ireland in the south...
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- ..and the other Ireland - in the north.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21- The partition, established in 1921, - still exists to this day.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- The Irish Free State or the - Republic of Ireland in the south...
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- ..and Northern Ireland, - which remains part of the UK.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34- Following the division, there was - more bloodshed in the civil war...
0:43:34 > 0:43:38- ..when brother - turned against brother.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- In 1922, aged 31...
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- ..Michael Collins was shot.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- The perpetrator - still remains a mystery.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- The shrewd politician - who honed his craft at Frongoch...
0:43:51 > 0:43:53- ..is today a worldwide hero.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05- Upon his release from Frongoch...
0:44:05 > 0:44:08- ..Joe Clarke - also played an important role...
0:44:09 > 0:44:11- ..in the future - of the new Ireland.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- He was a member of the IRA - and vice president of Sinn Fein.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18- He and Dad - were good friends until the end.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21- It was lovely - placing a flower on his grave.
0:44:21 > 0:44:23- I know he meant a lot to Dad.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31- Rest in peace, dear Joe.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- It's fair to say he changed my life.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40- If he knew I was here now, - I doubt he'd say very much.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42- He was a man of few words...
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- ..but he had a smile - behind those thick glasses.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49- It was the smile of a man - who'd witnessed a lot.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53- And that's when - the Frongoch obsession began.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55- He's to blame for it all!
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- The journey has been incredible...
0:45:00 > 0:45:04- ..because I've heard - Dad's stories all my life.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08- They still make me laugh - and they still sustain my interest.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- It makes me appreciate him - as a journalist...
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- ..because Frongoch - has been an obsession of his.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19- Visiting all these places reinforces - the story's importance...
0:45:20 > 0:45:22- ..and his contribution...
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- ..because he's changed part - of the story with Frongoch's angle.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30- I'm very proud of him, - I always have been...
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- ..but going around Dublin with him - was lovely.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35- It was quite a journey.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- Before we left, we called on an - old friend, musician Ryland Teifi.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50- Nice to see you. How are you?
0:45:50 > 0:45:53- Having married into - a musical family, the Clancys...
0:45:54 > 0:45:58- ..the family has settled in one - of the Irish speaking-strongholds.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01- What did he make - of the centenary celebrations?
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- It's obviously very important...
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- ..and perhaps - one of the things I envy...
0:46:07 > 0:46:10- ..is the fact that their history - is so familiar to them.
0:46:11 > 0:46:13- It's part of their history.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17- Ordinary people we've met - on the street know the history.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- The songs are also familiar to us. - We can't go without hearing a song.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- We're in the perfect location - - we've got Guinness.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27- I hope you've brought your guitar.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32- It's around here somewhere. - This is where we get up to mischief!
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- We've mentioned - the Guinness and the singing.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- People might say - we're stereotyping...
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- ..but there's truth - to every stereotype.
0:46:42 > 0:46:47- For me, the music is integral - to my love of this country.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53- THEY SING IN IRISH
0:47:06 > 0:47:11- I'll continue to visit Ireland - while I still have strength...
0:47:11 > 0:47:15- ..and while the stories - about Ireland are still in my mind.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- The story isn't over yet.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22- It's not an Irish Ireland and - neither is it a unified Ireland.
0:47:24 > 0:47:29- It's fitting that Dylan came with me - to sustain the interest...
0:47:29 > 0:47:33- ..and to pass it on - to his own children.
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- I haven't really thought about - passing on the stories...
0:47:47 > 0:47:51- ..but it is important because - you don't want them to be forgotten.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55- I doubt I can tell the story - as well as my father...
0:47:55 > 0:48:01- ..so my next step is to make sure - Anni and Ffredi show an interest.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07- Ffredi could be an Irishman.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10- He's small and solid.
0:48:10 > 0:48:12- He's determined too...
0:48:12 > 0:48:14- ..and won't give in.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19- I don't know where - this Irish element has come from.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21- From me, perhaps.
0:48:21 > 0:48:25- Anni is old enough now - to learn a few things about Ireland.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28- The other - will learn in time, believe me!
0:48:28 > 0:48:30- He'll be a Paddy!
0:48:47 > 0:48:49- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:48:50 > 0:48:50- .