Documentary on inspiring priest who helped end Troubles conflict to air this week

A landmark drama-documentary to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement will air on RTÉ this week. 

It will tell the inspiring story of a maverick Tipperary-raised Redemptorist priest, Father Alec Reid, whose vision and secret diplomacy helped bring an end to armed conflict in Northern Ireland. 

Father Reid first came to the world's attention in 1988 after he was photographed trying to save the life of a British corporal, who was beaten and shot in the aftermath of an IRA funeral.

The haunted face of Father Reid administering Last Rites somehow epitomised the best and worst of the human impact of the Troubles. 

Unknown to most, the photograph also captured the secret peacemaker at work; in Father Reid's jacket pocket were the first documents of a fledgling plan to end the conflict. 

Based on interviews recorded with Fr Reid before his death ten years ago, the film follows his peace mission to stop the killing. 

Contributors to the film include former Republican and Loyalist paramilitaries, Jake Mac Siacais and David “Packie” Hamilton; peacemakers Monica McWilliams, the Rev Harold Good and the Rev Ken Newell; former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams; former SDLP Deputy Leader Bríd Rodgers; former UUP leader Mike Nesbitt; the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Ian Jeffers; and journalists Tim Pat Coogan, Brendan O’Brien and Mark Devenport. 

Human Rights activist and Co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, Monica McWilliams, said Father Reid "understood the importance of the psychology of peacebuilding which is, when you sit down to make peace, you don’t make it with your friends". 

The film also features acclaimed Irish actor, Marty Rea, as Father Alec in dramatic reconstructions of key events. 

Image: David Cairns