Dublin’s workhorses - No. 25

In this film of Dublin street life we see the last of the dray-men and wagoners going about their business delivering coal, and working the fruit and vegetable markets. We meet the shopkeeper who sells oats for the horses, the farrier who shoes them, the traditional collar and harness maker, and the milk rounds-man and his horse. It includes archival photographs of Johnson Mooney & O’Brien bread vans, and The Court Laundry’s wagons.     Made in 1983.

Commentary- Éamonn Mac Thomáis; Music- Terry Odlum;     Running time - 26 minutes

Shoe making - No. 26

Tutty’s of Naas, Co Kildare is perhaps the most famous hand-made shoemaking establishment in Ireland. In the film George Tutty, father figure and founder of the firm, measures a client’s feet for the wooden lasts or foot moulds that the shoes will be crafted around. It follows the making of brogues from the selection of the leather, preparation of templates, cutting out and sewing the uppers, building up the sole and heel, before the final finishing and polishing. Tutty’s also specialise in shoes for people with orthopaedic and orthotic issues. The firm is currently still making shoes to this day.     Made in 1978.

Commentary- Ray Mc Anally; Music- Michéal Ó Súilleabháin;     Running time- 26 minutes

A Dublin Bookbinder - No. 27

Presented by the distinguished writer and historian Dr. Maurice Craig, and filmed in the bindery of John F. Newman, Dublin, it demonstrates the ancient craft of bookbinding in considerable detail: designing the covers, sewing the gathers, tooling, burnishing and gilding. Shows detailed repair and restoration work. It includes film sequences in the historic Marsh’s Library, Dublin, and early hand-tooled books from their collection.     Made in 1981.

Commentary- Dr. Maurice Craig; Music- Jolyon Jackson;     Running time - 26 minutes

The Saddler - No. 28

Beside the beautiful rolling hills of the Curragh, Co. Kildare is the long-established family firm of Berney Brothers, led by 82 year-old Tom Berney. They have been making saddles, bridles for racing, hunting, show jumping, dressage, and eventing for 120 years. The film follows the traditional skills involved in making these items from good, strong leather for quality and longevity. Berney Brothers are still making saddles and related products to this day.     Made in 1981.

Commentary- Brian Mc Sharry; Music- Jolyon Jackson;     Running time - 26 minutes

Curraghs - No. 29

Man’s first arrival in Ireland during the Mesolithic period was most likely in these supremely seaworthy, keel-less skin boats. This documentary covers their regional variations. In Co. Kerry we see the construction and use of the naomhóg as a racing currach. On the Aran Islands, Co. Galway, the currach is still used for fishing and to ferry supplies to the Islands. Northwest Co. Donegal is the last area where the small Donegal paddled currach is used for setting fixed trammel nets and lobsterpots. The film includes rare film from the 1930’s of the construction of the River Boyne Corracle.     Made in 1978.

Commentary- Seamus Ó Cathaín; Music- Terry Odlum;     Running time - 26 minutes