Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly will be screened on RTÉ 1 on Wednesday, 26th August at 9.35pm.
This powerful new documentary tells the story of one of the central figures in the founding of our Union - a leader whose organising, ideas and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire SIPTU’s work for fairness at work and justice in society today.
Created to inspire and enlighten a contemporary audience, this feature documentary brings Connolly’s life, ideas and enduring vision vividly to the screen.
The film places Connolly’s radical ideas and political achievements against the backdrop of the world we live in today.
At a time when inequality, insecurity and threats to democracy are again being felt across the world, Connolly’s message speaks with renewed urgency.
This film helps reclaim his story and reminds us that the fight for a fairer society is as relevant now as it was in his lifetime. It was independently produced and financed with the support of SIPTU and other trade unions, directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker Alan Gilsenan, and produced by Yellow Asylum Films for the James Connolly Foundation for Educational Equality.
The film draws on reflections of many distinguished commentators, union activists and historians, and on performance from musicians and artists such as Christy Moore, Stephen Rea, Esosa Ighodaro, Piper David power, singer Eoghan ó Ceannabháin, and Connolly’s great-great-granddaughter Tamsin Iona Connolly heron.
The film aims to reclaim Connolly’s story and his important social vision and is sure to enlighten and inspire contemporary viewers.
We encourage members to tune in on RTÉ 1 on Wednesday, 26th August at 9.35pm - and help us spread the word.
Let’s make sure Connolly’s story is seen, shared and talked about in workplaces, homes and communities across Ireland.
We Only Want the Earth: The Life & Ideas of James Connolly will be screened on RTÉ 1 on Wednesday, 26th August at 9.35pm.
This powerful new documentary tells the story of one of the central figures in the founding of our Union - a leader whose organising, ideas and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire SIPTU’s work for fairness at work and justice in society today.
Created to inspire and enlighten a contemporary audience, this feature documentary brings Connolly’s life, ideas and enduring vision vividly to the screen.
The film places Connolly’s radical ideas and political achievements against the backdrop of the world we live in today.
At a time when inequality, insecurity and threats to democracy are again being felt across the world, Connolly’s message speaks with renewed urgency.
This film helps reclaim his story and reminds us that the fight for a fairer society is as relevant now as it was in his lifetime. It was independently produced and financed with the support of SIPTU and other trade unions, directed and written by acclaimed filmmaker Alan Gilsenan, and produced by Yellow Asylum Films for the James Connolly Foundation for Educational Equality.
The film draws on reflections of many distinguished commentators, union activists and historians, and on performance from musicians and artists such as Christy Moore, Stephen Rea, Esosa Ighodaro, Piper David power, singer Eoghan ó Ceannabháin, and Connolly’s great-great-granddaughter Tamsin Iona Connolly heron.
The film aims to reclaim Connolly’s story and his important social vision and is sure to enlighten and inspire contemporary viewers.
We encourage members to tune in on RTÉ 1 on Wednesday, 26th August at 9.35pm - and help us spread the word.
Let’s make sure Connolly’s story is seen, shared and talked about in workplaces, homes and communities across Ireland.
