A retired army officer, who was the first person to appear on Irish television in 1961, has been buried today.
A specially filmed version of the national anthem was the first item shown on the opening night of Telefís Éireann (RTÉ) on 31 December 1961.
Retired Colonel James Mortell, who died on Tuesday, raised the Irish flag in the opening seconds of the film.
The film begins with then-Lieutenant Mortell, along with another soldier James Foran, raising the tricolour with a guard of honour at Collins Barracks in Dublin.
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The film also includes shots of Nelson's Pillar and the GPO on O’Connell Street in Dublin; St. Colman's Cathedral in Cobh, Co Cork; a CIE train and an Aer Lingus plane taking off at Dublin Airport.
Lasting a minute and a half, 'The Soldier’s Song' was shown when the television station began airing at 7pm. It was followed by an address from the president, Éamon de Valera.
This particular version of the national anthem was broadcast at the end of each day’s transmission and was used until 1966.
Col Mortell served overseas with the UN in the Congo in 1963, according to the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers. He also spent time in Kuwait and Lebanon during his distinguished army career.
Col Mortell was buried in Moorechurch Cemetery, Julianstown, Co Meath, today following funeral mass at St. Mary’s Church in Julianstown.
