AIG Insurance today released the first video of its three-part mini documentary series, 'Playing for Dublin and Fighting for Ireland'.

The short series focuses on three individuals; Frank Burke, Tilly Simpson and Charlie McMahon, who each represented Dublin at intercounty level, but who also fought for independence in Ireland in 1916.  

The first video released as part of the mini-series tells the story of Frank Burke. Frank, who studied under Padraig Pearse at St. Enda's school, travelled into the GPO with Pearse by tram on Easter Monday, 1916.. After the Rising, Frank would arguably become Dublin's greatest ever player, winning two All-Ireland hurling titles and three in football. On Bloody Sunday, while playing for Dublin, Burke who was being marked by Michael Hogan was shot by British forces. 

The second video features Tilly Simpson, who was a Dublin Camogie player and revolutionary who fought for her community and her country. As a member of Cumann na mBan, Tilly performed nursing duties in the GPO during the Easter Rising. Soon after, Tilly, along with her Cumann na mBan comrades would find themselves on the front line.

The third and final video covers the life of Charlie McMahon. Charlie has one of the most remarkable stories in Irish sport. He survived a gunshot wound to the head, and battled back to win an All-Ireland hurling title with Dublin in 1938, the last time Dublin lifted the Liam McCarthy cup.

The 'Playing for Dublin and Fighting for Ireland' mini-documentary series produced by Paul Cahill and narrated by Paul's father, Des Cahill includes interviews with Eanna de Burca, Son of Frank Burke, Dublin GAA Historian, Jimmy Wren and legendary commentator, Mícheál Ó'Muircheartaigh as well as many others. Research for the three pieces was conducted by Conor Murphy, who also acted as assistant producer.

Commenting on the release of the first video of the series, Declan O'Rourke, General Manager, AIG Ireland commented: 

'As well as the support we offer to Dublin GAA on the pitch, we are delighted to be offering support of a different nature to the Dublin GAA community by supplying information of a historical, educational and cultural nature through sharing videos of former Dublin players who represented their county on the field, and their country off the field throughout the 1916 Rising.

'We hope these videos give an insight to the unique and interesting stories of past Dublin GAA players.'

The first video, featuring Frank Burke can be viewed below with the other two going live on AIG Ireland's social media channels in the coming days. Make sure to keep an eye out for these remarkable stories.

 

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