The Irish Army complete the demolition of the Nelson Pillar watched by singing spectators.
On 8 March 1966 the Nelson Pillar on Dublin's O'Connell Street was destroyed by a bomb. A week later the remainder of the pillar was blown up by the army. RTÉ News reports on the army's removal of the remains of the pillar.
Buildings shook and a dozen shop windows were shattered for the second time in a week when army engineers blasted the stump.
Seventy pounds of plastic explosives brought the remainder of the column crumbling down in a cloud of dust. Onlookers lined the Garda barriers at opposite ends of O'Connell Street. Only newsmen, at their own risk, had been allowed behind the 150 Garda strong cordon.
Seán Egan reports from O'Connell Streets as people gathered to watch the army's demolition of the remaining pillar. There was a party like atmosphere with music and cheer on O'Connell Bridge and crowds singing 'On Top Of Old Smokey' as well as a number of rebel songs. The clock on the corner of O'Connell Bridge was a minute slow and the blast took the crowd by surprise and was followed by a loud cheer.
Colonel R.G. Mew, Army Director of Engineers told RTÉ News that he was happy with how the the difficult task was carried out without any injuries. Lord Mayor of Dublin Alderman Eugene Timmons visited the site to inspect the aftermath.
A last minute attempt to stop the explosion failed. Four members of the Royal Society of Architects for Ireland had pleaded for a restraining injunction to prevent the army and Dublin Corporation from going ahead with the blast plans. However, the injunction was refused and the blast went ahead as planned.
An RTÉ News report was broadcast on 14 March 1966. The reporters are Mike Burns and Seán Egan.
On the day of the bombing RTÉ News spoke to eye-witnesses who were on O'Connell Street when the bomb exploded. This report also includes footage of the destruction in the aftermath of the bombing.
