Seán Mac Réamoinn explains how that although the Dáíl only held 12 sessions between 1919 and 1921 often in very difficult circumstances much constructive work was done. An example of this was the establishment of the Sinn Féin courts. 

Conor Maguire, who would later become Chief Justice of Ireland, explains how the courts were set up and describes a break through land agitation case in Kilmaine, Mayo.

The First Dáil (An Chéad Dáil) was Dáil Éireann as it convened from 1919–1921. In 1919 candidates who had been elected in the Westminster elections of 1918 refused to recognise the Parliament of the United Kingdom and instead assembled as a unicameral, revolutionary parliament called "Dáil Éireann".

The establishment of the First Dáil occurred on the same day as the outbreak of the Irish War of Independence. After elections in 1921 the First Dáil was succeeded by the Second Dáil of 1921–1922.

The first meeting of Dáil Éireann took place in the Round Room of the Mansion House on 21 January 1919. To honour the 50th anniversary of the this event the first sitting of the Dáíl for 1969 took place in the Round Room of the Mansion House.

RTÉ marked the occasion with programmes on radio and television.
The RTÉ Guide listing for 'The First Dáil' programme was,

"The origins, establishment and achievements of the first Parliament of the Irish Republic. A Jubilee survey arranged and presented by Seán Mac Réamoinn and Howard Kinlay. Historical Adviser: Kevin B. Nowlan."

(RTÉ Guide January 17, 1969 vol. 6 No 4. p10)

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