Ireland and the Great War - Answering the Call to Arms

Answering the Call to Arms

Whether for the "shilling", John Redmond, "little Catholic Belgium" or adventure 140,000 Irishmen joined up in this country. Thousands more were already serving, or were recruited/conscripted in Britain, Australia, the USA and Canada.

Reasons for Enlisting

In this short extract from a 1966 television documentary, some of those who served in the First World War give their reasons for enlisting.

"What made me join?"

Many of those who enlisted were motivated by the lack of employment opportunities. Denis Kelly joined the Irish Guards in 1914. He was living in England at the time. In this clip, he outlines his circumstances. He ultimately retired to his home in Dysart, Roscommon.

See the World

A desire to see something of the world prompted Jack Campbell to join the British Army. One of five brothers to see action, Jack tells Gay Byrne how he was influenced by his elder brother.

Pals Battalions

Edgar Poulter recalls heading to Landsdowne Road, Dublin, with friends to join what would become known as a pals battalion and paying half a crown for the privilege.

"Primarily, I felt I was fighting for Ireland"

Emmet Dalton outlines his reasons for joining up and describes the initial reaction of his father to seeing his son in a British Army uniform.

Recruiting Office, Grafton Street

The British Army put great effort into recruitment. Veteran Royal Dublin Fusilier, Jimmy O'Brien, recalls being stopped by a recruiting sergeant and signing up in an office in Grafton Street, Dublin.