Lost Easter Voices Part 7 - James Connolly

At the time of the 1916 executions, social historian, Richard Maxwell, a nephew of General Sir John Maxwell, Commander in Chief of British Forces in Ireland, obtained permission to bring his early Edison recorder into Kilmainham jail to record interviews with the seven Proclamation signatories shortly before their capital punishment. During the turbulent weeks that followed the executions, Richard Maxwell returned to England with his recordings. Eventually, in ill health, he moved to Estuarios in Spain to live with relatives. Apparently, these unique recordings have lain in an attic in Spain for one hundred years. Now a great-granddaughter of Richard Maxwell, Senora Maxwell-Hogan, has returned to Ireland with these historic recordings and has offered to donate them to the National Archive. But first, she has permitted Near FM to digitise and clean these unique recordings and the community station now presents them as part of the centenary commemorations. Each programme will be followed by a panel discussion expanding on the topics raised by the rebels. The entire production was handled by the Near Drama company. Are these authentic recording? Are these the final words of such iconic figures? Listen and make up your own mind. The series will be broadcast Monday 21st March to Sunday 27th March each day at 1 o‘clock. The Lost Easter Voices series was a dramatised recording. It was Written and Directed by Jack Byrne. Charlotte Tanin was played by Mary McNamara Hugh Coy by Michael Sharp Wilmot Hynes was Peter Prior And Roger Brazenby was played by Tom Murphy. Senora Maxwell Hogan was Sally Galliana. Patrick Pearse: Noel Kavanagh. Thomas McDonagh:John O’Connor. Tom Clarke: Joe Murphy. Joseph Plunkett: Ken Tuohy. Eamonn Ceannt: Noel Murphy. Sean McDermott: Gareth Stack. James Connolly: Connolly James Heron. Producer – Declan Cahill Asst. Director – Peter Cunningham Musical Score. Ken Tuohy. Script Advisor: Dr. Bill Dorris. Historical Advisor: Pat Liddy. Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland Sound and Vision scheme.