SUCCESSFUL RTÉ SERIES FOLLOWED BY BOOK LAUNCH

ON the back of a sucessful television series, RTE have launched two new history books, “100 years: Ireland in the 20th Century" and “100 Bliain: Éire san 20ú hÁois”.
The books are based on the popular RTÉ television series of the same name, which was narrated by Brian Farrell and brought together over 15 hours of original archive film and stills. The success of the series led to the publication of the two books, the text was written by former RTÉ journalist Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and the Irish script was narrated by Liam Mac Con Iomaire. The series concept was devised by Ed Lynch of RTÉ and the picture research was undertaken by RTÉ librarian Yseult Thornley.
The extensive pictures and text chronicles daily life throughout the twentieth century, drawing extensively from the wealth of the RTÉ archives. The 366-page book covers over 4,000 stories. Each page features a selection of notable, historical or amusing events that occurred on that particular date throughout the century, from The Beatles in Dromoland Castle in March 1964, to early images of the War of Independence.
On formally presenting the books, RTÉ Chairman Patrick Wright commented on the key place of RTÉ in Irish life: "When you look back on the role RTÉ has played throughout much of the last century in chronicling events and in nurturing our cultural achievements you come away with confidence that the central role of RTÉ in public life will continue into the future."
Produced by RTÉ, supported by Foras na Gaeilge and published by TownHouse, the books are priced at IR£25.00 and available in bookshops countrywide.
(GB)