New major hour-long documentary on Ireland's Civil War to air this week

A new major hour-long documentary on the Civil War is set to air on RTÉ this week (May 10). 

The documentary will cover the most divisive chapter in Ireland's history and will focus on Britain's role in perpetuating the split between men who had once killed together and were now killing eachother. 

Former British Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Portillo, will bring a unique insight into the events surrounding the conflict, as his predecessors in the job were the men who supplied the pro-Treaty side with the arms and ammunition they desperately needed. 

Documents featured in the documentary show how the British were also prepared, should the anti-Treatyites have gained the upper hand, to re-deploy their own troops into the conflict.

Intriguing sub-plots feature in the documentary, including a threat to send bombs raining down on the centre of Dublin, the changing relationship between the two men of action, Collins and Churchill, and an extraordinary request to clear anti-Treaty strongholds.

Taking Sides: Britain and The Civil War airs Wednesday May 10 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.