We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly airs
Wednesday 26 August on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.35pm
RTÉ is to air the compelling documentary We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly, directed by Alan Gilsenan, which explores James Connolly’s role as part of the Irish trade union movement and the 1913 Lockout, and looks to reclaim Connolly’s story, as well as invoking his important social vision for equal rights for all.
With performances of Connolly’s own writings by actor Terry O’Neill, the programme explores how Connolly’s vision for Ireland in the early 20th century has not yet been achieved in contemporary Ireland. It sheds new light on his role in the 1916 Easter Rising, and takes a fresh view of Connolly through his writings and archival materials.
As well as many distinguished commentators, union activists, and historians, the film also features contributions, songs, and poems from Christy Moore, Stephen Rea, piper David Power, singers Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and Esosa Ighodaro, Connolly’s grandson James Connolly Heron, and Connolly’s great-great-grand-daughter Tamsin Iona Connolly Heron.
The programme looks at Connolly’s ideas and political achievements against the landscape of workers’ rights, poverty, and social inequality in Ireland.
Speaking about the programme, director Alan Gilsenan said: “Our hope in making the film was to reclaim something of James Connolly’s remarkable story as well as invoking his important social vision, with a clear eye on how it resonates in our contemporary time, especially during an era where democracy itself appears under threat.”
We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly airs Wednesday 26 August on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.35pm.
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Date: 24 August 2026
For more information:
Kate Smyth, RTÉ Communications Lead
