Years of the Great Test 1926-1939

Every autumn, winter and spring since September 1953, Radio Telefis Eireann has been broadcasting half-hour lectures, named in honour of Thomas Davis. Inspired by one of his famous sayings, 'Educate that you may be free', the aim of these lectures has been to provide in popular form what is best in Irish scholarship and the sciences.

Most of the lectures have been in series; many have been single broadcasts; some have been in English, some in Irish. In the time that has passed since they were initiated, the lectures have dealt with many aspects and with many centuries of Irish social life, history, science and literature. The lectures, distinguished for their special learning at home and abroad, have been drawn from many nations but mainly from Ireland.