The 19th century saw an electrical revolution sweep through much of the developed word. But this exciting new power source seemed to bypass Ireland.
Only a few pockets of the country had access to electricity by the time the Irish Free State came into existence in 1922 - until an Irish engineer named Dr. Thomas A. McLoughlin proposed damming the Shannon and building a power station at Ardnacrusha.
This documentary looks back on the days before rural electrification and how electricity has grown in Ireland, through the days of coal, turf and gas.
With contributions from Maurice Manning (UCD), William F. Roe (ESB, Dr. P.G. Murphy ESB), James Kelly (Chief Executive ESB), Moore MacDowell (UCD), Ricky Nally, Bobby Byrne and James Douglas.
Produced and Presented by John Skehan
First broadcast 15th May 1977
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