The first radio broadcast in Ireland was to announce the beginning of the Easter Rising in April 1916.
It was a morse code message written by James Connolly and transmitted on Easter Tuesday, 1916 which read; Irish Republic declared in Dublin today. Irish troops have captured city and are in full possession. Enemy cannot move in city. The while country rising”.
The broadcast took place close to the GPO in what was then The Wireless School of Telegraphy at 10-11 Sackville Street. The building now houses The Grand Central Bar on what we now know as O’Connell Street.
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and RTE Radio have organised for the plaque to be positioned on the outside wall of the 'Grand Central' on O'Connell Street.
The plaque was proposed by the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), RTÉ Radio and Boys and Girls Creative agency as part of the celebration of radio’s unique role in the 1916 Rising.
John Purcell, Chairman of IBI said “Radio’s part in the 1916 Easter Rising is a little known fact, even amongst radio people in Ireland. This commemorative plaque reminds us of the endurable nature of radio, the power of the medium of radio to reach people and to share the news of the day. More importantly, it is a timely reminder of the important role that radio has played in the lives of the people of Ireland for well over 100 years.
