The Gaelic Club in Sydney, home of the Irish National Association, overflowing with Ireland supporters during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July. Pic: NPC Energy on X

Irish radio station Newstalk is to air a captivating documentary on the Irish in Australia, The First Hundred Years: Albert Dryer and the Irish National Association. The documentary delves into the history and significance of the Irish National Association (INA), founded in Sydney in 1915, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of Irish emigration.

Albert Dryer, a visionary, established the INA to promote Irish culture and reconnect Australia’s Irish-descended population with their roots. In a country dominated by Anglo culture, Dryer believed that the Irish needed an alternative narrative. The INA also adopted a bold Irish Republican stance, putting them at odds with mainstream Australian attitudes during events like the Easter Rising and the First World War. Dryer and his associates were even imprisoned over a failed plot to acquire arms from Germany to support the republican cause during the war.

The documentary weaves together excerpts from Albert Dryer’s writings and contemporary newspaper articles with insightful commentary from historians such as Jeff Kildea, Richard Reid, Perry McIntyre, and Karl Kissane, the current President of the INA. It takes viewers on a journey through the highs and lows, twists and turns, that have shaped the INA into the significant cultural and social support it is today for Irish Australians.

Rear, left to right: Liam McGuinness (1889-1966), Frank McKeown (1884-1944), Michael McGing (1880-1957) and William Fegan (1876-1962).Front, left to right: Edmund MacSweeny (1861-1929), Maurice Dalton (1843-1923), Albert Dryer (1888-1963) and Thomas Fitzgerald (1870-1921). INA office bearers interned without trial in Darlinghurst Gaol, Sydney in 1917. (Source: INA on Facebook)

The First Hundred Years offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of Irish culture and its enduring influence in Australia. The documentary will premier on Newstalk on Sunday, September 10th, at 7am Irish time (4pm, Saturday 10th, AEST), with a repeat broadcast on Saturday, September 16th, at 9pm Irish time (6am Sunday, September 17th, AEST). Additionally, it will be available as a podcast on GoLoud and major podcast platforms.

The INA, dedicated to promoting Irish culture and interests, continues to support activities at the Irish Cultural Centre and Gaelic Club in Sydney. They house the Albert Dryer Memorial Library, a treasure trove of books on Irish language, history, and culture. The INA also maintains the 1798 Memorial at Waverley Cemetery, commemorating those who fought for Irish independence. Their activities include Irish dance and music classes, cultural events, and language classes.

Supported by donations from the community and the public, the INA plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant Irish cultural scene in Sydney. Every dollar donated is tax-deductible and contributes to their cultural initiatives, which include Irish dance, music, language, and various cultural events.

Whether it’s preserving traditional Irish dance, teaching Irish music, or celebrating St Patrick’s Day, the INA remains committed to preserving and sharing Irish culture with the world.

For more information on the INA’s activities and how to support their cultural endeavours, visit their website and explore the rich tapestry of Irish heritage they offer to the Sydney community.

The First Hundred Years was produced by J.J. O’Shea, with excerpts from the INA Centenary Oral History Project used with permission from the National Library of Australia. This program received support from Coimisiún na Meán as part of the Sound and Vision Scheme.

You can find out more about the documentary here.