The landmark series, Ar Son na Poblachta returns to RTÉ One as the decade of centenaries continues. The two part mini series addresses a turbulent period of our history – Cogadh na Saoirse / The War of Independence, bringing fresh insights, exploring the lives of real people whose stories cast light on and improve our understanding of those troubled times.
Prog. 1 Thomas Hodgett – Dílseoir Feallta
The Murder of Thomas Hodgett
Thomas Hodgett was from Dungannon, a devout Protestant and Loyalist. He worked in the Post Office and by February 1921, had become the Postmaster in Navan. The War of Independence was then at its fiercest although IRA activity was more prevalent in the south of the country. In the early hours of 18th February three men in civilian clothing knocked on the door of his home claiming to be police. They burst inside, now speaking as though Republicans. Thomas was abused and taken away, dragged through the centre of Navan to the bridge over the river Blackwater. There he was shot and his body thrown into the river. It took five weeks before his remains were located and recovered. The murder of Thomas Hodgett aroused widespread revulsion locally. It also aroused suspicion. For many it made little sense that the IRA could be responsible for his murder. His wife, Grace, mounted a fearless campaign to establish the truth and to bring the perpetrators to justice. She took her case all the way to the King. What ensued was a story of intrigue, lies, drama and suspicion that went right to the top of the political and military establishment. It is a story that sheds a different light on the established narrative of this dangerous and volatile period of Irish History.