1916: The Man Who Lost Ireland

In 1916 Ireland what would become known as The Easter Rising took place as Irish republicans took up arms to Fight against British rule and looked to establish a Republic. The Rising lasted only six days but the events of the rising and more so the events after the rising would ultimately lead to the establishing of an Irish Republic. And it's the post Easter Rising trials of the leaders that take center stage in the Documentary.

In total 90 people were sentenced to death most notably all seven Signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. New documents and records released by the British Government tell different versions of the trial process and offer up new questions. The film looks into the new accounts and also at the effect the executions had in building support for the Irish Republican Brotherhood and fight for a Republic. Did the Hasty actions of British General John Maxwell in having what have since been deemed illegal trials followed very quickly by firing squad Executions make him the man that lost Ireland ? The question is also asked as to why the key figure Eamon de Valera was spared the death penalty ? We may never fully know, when the British eventually released the court martial documents just one was missing de Valera's.

Watch the full documentary now on Documentary Fans Release Date: 2006 Duration: 54 Minutes.