The Irish History Boys
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- Último episodio
- 12 Nov 2026
Sobre el podcast
Comedian Tim McGarry and Historian Cormac Moore select the stories from the archives of The Irish News that bring Irish history to life in enlightening and amusing ways.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodios 85
Poppies vs. Lilies: The Brutal 1926 Dublin Clashes That Divided Ireland
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we dive into the volatile street politics of November 1926, where memory, symbolism, and nationalism collided in Dublin over the Easter Lily and the Remembrance Poppy …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we dive into the volatile street politics of November 1926, where memory, symbolism, and nationalism collided in Dublin over the Easter Lily and the Remembrance Poppy.
We explore how an anti-imperialist rally at College Green—spearheaded by republican women like Sheila Humphreys and Fiona Plunkett—turned Grafton Street into a scene of "electrical excitement" and violent brawls between poppy wearers and republican sympathisers. We also examine the scathing rhetoric of future President Seán T. O'Kelly, who launched fiery protests against British imperialism and Ireland’s participation in the Imperial Conference.
We contextualise this symbolic battleground within the economic and social realities of 1920s Ireland, contrasting the British Legion’s massive financial haul against the fledgling Republican lily effort that raised a mere £34. We unpack the complex, contentious legacy of the estimated 200,000 Irishmen who fought in the First World War, and examine why Armistice Day remained a deeply divisive flashpoint for decades.
Fast-forwarding 50 years to November 1976, we navigate the political disorientation gripping Northern Ireland amidst a grim surge of sectarian violence. We dissect the Loyalist Central Coordinating Committee’s 10-page document ("Ulster Can Survive Unfettered") proposing an independent Northern Ireland—a "pie in the sky" plan featuring an unarmed police force, an Isle of Man-style tax system, and a £300 million British subsidy.
To conclude, we address Sinn Féin’s bold 1976 assertion that British withdrawal was "already well underway", illustrating how competing, unrealistic visions struggled to fill the dangerous political vacuum of the Troubles.
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Jimmy Carter’s Triumph, RUC Barracks, and the GAA Ban on English Games
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, hosts Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore go back to November 1976 to discuss the election of Jimmy Carter as President of the United States and the changing landscape of …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, hosts Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore go back to November 1976 to discuss the election of Jimmy Carter as President of the United States and the changing landscape of American politics.
Reading from The Irish News, we revisit Carter’s historic victory over Gerald Ford—a former peanut farmer and political outsider who declared "the sun is rising on a beautiful new day for this country".
We examine how the shadow of Watergate, Ford's controversial pardon of Richard Nixon, and famous television debate missteps shaped one of the closest-fought presidential races in modern history.
Additionally, we explore how Carter broke long-standing US diplomatic precedent by initiating a direct American policy engagement with Northern Ireland.
Going back 100 years to November 1926, we examine the controversy surrounding an Irish News headline declaring "Palaces for Policemen".
We discuss the Northern Ireland government's proposal to spend £800,000 erecting 90 new Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) barracks and reconstructing 115 others.
We dissect the fierce parliamentary opposition led by nationalist MP Joe Devlin, who condemned such massive security expenditure at a time of deep economic recession, severe poverty, and urgent housing shortages for the poor.
We also reflect on Unionist security anxieties, the reliance on the B Specials, and the long, contentious history of policing in Ireland.
To conclude, we tackle a 1926 sporting dispute from Fermanagh, where the local GAA County Board expressed "great indignation" over reports that schoolboys were being coerced into playing rugby.
We unpack the condemnation of forcing boys to embrace a "foreign code," the history and enforcement of the GAA's ban on English games, and the 19th-century invention of Gaelic football under Maurice Davin.
Finally, we reflect on how times have changed up to the modern era with the establishment of the PSNI GAA team.
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Smugglers, Border Posts & The Mater Hospital Murder
Join hosts Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore as they dive into the colorful, tragic, and surprising history of the Irish border.In this episode, the team explores the origins of border enforcement following the 1921 …
Notas del episodio
Join hosts Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore as they dive into the colorful, tragic, and surprising history of the Irish border.
In this episode, the team explores the origins of border enforcement following the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty and the rise of border smuggling. From women stuffing heavy "Ulster coats" with goods in 1930s Donegal to cattle swimming across Lough Erne during the Economic War, discover how ordinary citizens outsmarted customs barriers.
The episode then turns to one of the darkest moments of 1976: the shocking hospital assassination of Provisional Sinn Féin Vice President Máire Drumm at Belfast's Mater Hospital. Finally, look back at John Hume's groundbreaking 1976 diplomatic mission to Washington D.C., which reshaped American involvement in Northern Ireland.
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How 1976 Reshaped the Irish Presidency and RTÉ Broadcasting
Welcome to this week's The Irish History Boys podcast with Tim and Cormac. On this episode, they discuss the 1976 Irish Presidential Crisis, where President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh referred new emergency powers …
Notas del episodio
Welcome to this week's The Irish History Boys podcast with Tim and Cormac. On this episode, they discuss the 1976 Irish Presidential Crisis, where President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh referred new emergency powers legislation to the Supreme Court following heightened IRA violence in Dublin, creating severe friction with Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave’s coalition government.
They examine how the crisis peaked when Defence Minister Patrick Donegan publicly insulted the President as a thundering disgrace. When the Taoiseach refused to discipline Donegan, Ó Dálaigh resigned to defend the dignity of his office, directly contributing to the government's landslide defeat in 1977.
Finally, they cover how the government enforced Section 31 of the Broadcasting Act, banning RTÉ interviews with Provisional Sinn Féin and paramilitary groups, a controversial media prohibition that remained in place until 1994.
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How Britain Lost Ireland: Prime Minister Asquith’s Fatal Mistakes
Join Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore on The Irish History Boys as they explore what British policy looked like towards Ireland between 1912 and 1921, including home rule.This episode focuses specifically on …
Notas del episodio
Join Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore on The Irish History Boys as they explore what British policy looked like towards Ireland between 1912 and 1921, including home rule.
This episode focuses specifically on the chequered careers and legacies of two consecutive British Prime Ministers: Herbert Henry Asquith and David Lloyd George.
They discuss Lloyd George's secret double-dealing with unionists and nationalists, the backfiring 1918 Conscription Crisis, and the passage of the 1920 Government of Ireland Act, which formally partitioned the six Ulster counties.
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Ireland's Sovereignty and the 1926 Imperial Conference
Join Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore on The Irish History Boys as they explore Ireland's diplomatic push for co-equality at the 1926 Imperial Conference and the Balfour Declaration.This episode also dives into …
Notas del episodio
Join Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore on The Irish History Boys as they explore Ireland's diplomatic push for co-equality at the 1926 Imperial Conference and the Balfour Declaration.
This episode also dives into a 1976 church initiative attempting to tackle 'them and us' politics in Northern Ireland, alongside a look at the 1926 Soviet power struggle that paved the way for Joseph Stalin's rise.
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The Darkest Year in Ireland’s History: The Brutal 1798 Rebellion
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, hosts Cormac Moore and Tim McGarry are joined by Dr Gavin Hughes to examine the bloody, highly complex tragedy of the 1798 Irish Rebellion. We reflect on the brutal …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, hosts Cormac Moore and Tim McGarry are joined by Dr Gavin Hughes to examine the bloody, highly complex tragedy of the 1798 Irish Rebellion.
We reflect on the brutal counter-insurgency campaign led by General Gerard Lake—exploring horrific tactics like "pitch-capped" burning tar hats, widespread executions, and the sheer terror of the "dragooning of Ulster".
We examine this chaotic uprising within the broader context of post-Atlantic radicalism, tracing how the ideals of Thomas Paine and the French Revolution inspired Wolfe Tone to unite "Catholic, Protestant, and Dissenter" in 1791. We unpack the strange paradoxes of the conflict—from Gaelic-speaking Catholic militias fighting for the Crown to soldiers telling "fibs" about their religion to secure army careers.
Additionally, we detail the strategic collapse following the arrest of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Wolfe Tone's foiled French invasion at Bantry Bay where ships were so close you could "throw a biscuit box", and Napoleon's fateful decision to head to Egypt instead of Ireland.
We also explore the tragic human cost through local eyewitness accounts, including postmistress Mary Ledbetter's memories of the sacking of the pacifist Quaker village of Ballytore, as well as the horrific sectarian atrocities at Scullabogue and Carrick-na-Cessna.
To conclude, we trace the campaign from the "Races of Castlebar" to the last stand at Vinegar Hill, examining how an estimated 50,000 casualties paved the way for the 1800 Act of Union and why figureheads like Daniel O'Connell—who served in the Kerry Yeomanry—distanced themselves from the rebellion's bloody legacy.
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The Bloodiest Chapter in Irish History: Drogheda, Wexford & Cromwell in Ireland
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on Oliver Cromwell’s brutal 10-month invasion of Ireland in 1649, a devastating campaign marked by the massacres at Drogheda and Wexford that left a …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on Oliver Cromwell’s brutal 10-month invasion of Ireland in 1649, a devastating campaign marked by the massacres at Drogheda and Wexford that left a 400-year shadow over the island.
We examine these horrific sieges within the grim context of 17th-century European warfare, comparing Cromwell's relentless tactics to the atrocities of the Thirty Years' War and exploring how black propaganda surrounding the 1641 Rebellion fuelled sectarian revenge.
Additionally, we dissect the paradox of Cromwell himself: was he a ruthless dictator, a cross between Stalin and Napoleon, or a disciplined military strategist who mastered supply lines and logistically bound his army together?
To conclude, we tackle the tragic aftermath of the Commonwealth campaign, exploring the catastrophic loss of up to 20% of Ireland’s population, the forced transportation of 50,000 Irish men and women to Barbados, and why Cromwell's legacy continues to walk beside history on the island to this day.
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The IRA Bombing That Shook Northern Ireland’s Free Press
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the September 1976 IRA bomb attack on the Belfast Telegraph offices and the tragic death of 60-year-old print worker Joe Patton. We examine how rival …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the September 1976 IRA bomb attack on the Belfast Telegraph offices and the tragic death of 60-year-old print worker Joe Patton. We examine how rival publications—including the nationalist Irish News —stood in unprecedented solidarity to defend a free press against paramilitary intimidation.
We analyze this targeted attack within the context of 1976's grim violence, highlighting the rare targeting of journalists during the Troubles and the paper's defiance in publishing its famous four-page "Penny Marvel" edition straight from the rubble.
Additionally, we explore Vanguard leader William Craig’s astonishing political U-turn in September 1976.
We discuss his controversial proposal for a voluntary power-sharing coalition with the SDLP, his immediate expulsion from the unionist coalition, and the political paralysis that left Northern Ireland in a bleak stalemate.
To conclude, we tackle the long history of British political disinterest in Ireland, tracing a pattern of neglect from G.K. Chesterton’s 1918 warnings to border visits in 1924 and modern Brexit confusion.
We also answer listener questions regarding Ireland's World War II defense forces and diplomat Seán Lester's role leading the League of Nations.
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Ireland’s Deadliest Cinema Fire & The 1976 Internee Scandal
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore reflect on the harrowing 1926 cinema fire in the County Limerick village of Dromcollogher, an appalling catastrophe that claimed …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore reflect on the harrowing 1926 cinema fire in the County Limerick village of Dromcollogher, an appalling catastrophe that claimed nearly 50 lives.
We examine how a makeshift cinema in a hardware store loft turned into a blazing inferno when unprotected film reels ignited, trapping moviegoers with only a single ladder exit.
We examine the devastating impact of this tragedy, locally remembered as "The Burning", where one-tenth of the village perished, and analyse why the disaster sparked no official Dáil inquiry or formal parliamentary debate.
Additionally, Tim shares a personal story of surviving a targeted 1981 arson attack on his family home in Belfast, drawing striking parallels to Dublin's Stardust fire.
Moving to September 1976, we explore the historic heatwave and severe drought that led to widespread water rationing across Northern Ireland and southern divisions, drying up major reservoirs like Silent Valley and Stonyford.
We discuss how this record heatwave was perceived at the time as a glorious summer rather than an early warning of climate change.
To conclude, we unpack the landmark September 1976 Strasbourg report from the European Commission on Human Rights regarding the British military's interrogation methods against Northern Ireland internees.
We dissect the controversial legal distinction between "torture" and "inhuman and degrading treatment" concerning the "Five Techniques", including hooding, wall-standing, white noise, sleep deprivation, and simulated helicopter drops.
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Was 1926 the Darkest Year in the History of Ireland?
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we explore the "disease of pessimism" that gripped Ireland in September 1926. Drawing from contemporary accounts warning that this despair threatened to develop into a …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we explore the "disease of pessimism" that gripped Ireland in September 1926.
Drawing from contemporary accounts warning that this despair threatened to develop into a national characteristic of "moral decrepitude and mental stagnation," we dissect the psychological and economic scars left by the Civil War, the 1925 famine, and rampant emigration.
We then fast-forward to the modern era to debate when and how Ireland finally transitioned from post-independence stagnation into a self-assured, highly confident nation.
Additionally, we tackle the wild "Northern misconceptions" surrounding the Irish Free State in 1926, where border communities were led to believe that Dublin was in a state of absolute anarchy and gloom.
We examine how unionist politicians and regional newspapers exaggerated southern lawlessness to discourage unity, how partition cemented two distinct cultures, and how these political schisms trickled down into everything from the historic 1921 soccer split to the bizarre division of local Morris Minor appreciation clubs along the border.
To conclude, we reflect on the extraordinary rise of the Peace People in 1976—a spontaneous, working-class movement born out of a horrific August tragedy in which three innocent children were killed.
We discuss the co-founders, Betty Williams and Maria Corrian, and examine the massive, cross-community rallies that saw tens of thousands of people cross the peace lines for the first time, including a highly symbolic demonstration on Derry's Craigavon Bridge.
We also analyze whether this powerful, women-led crusade successfully drove down the horrific levels of sectarian violence during one of the grimmest years of the Troubles.
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The Unbelievable 1976 Emergency That Suspended Ireland’s Civil Liberties
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we unpack the dramatic political fallout of August 1976, when the Dublin government declared a shocking, post-WWII state of emergency to combat the rising tide of …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we unpack the dramatic political fallout of August 1976, when the Dublin government declared a shocking, post-WWII state of emergency to combat the rising tide of subversive violence. We examine the introduction of draconian legislation that suspended ordinary laws indefinitely, and the unprecedented constitutional crisis that saw Irish President Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resign after being publicly branded a "thundering disgrace" by a government minister.
We dive deep into the controversial debate over whether the Republic of Ireland was truly a "safe haven" for the IRA, or if the border was simply too porous to realistically police. Along the way, Tim shares his own tense—and highly sarcastic—1990 encounter with the British Special Branch under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Additionally, we trace the international dimension of the conflict, discussing the 1976 calls for US President Gerald Ford to intervene in Northern Ireland. We detail how John Hume tirelessly worked to internationalise the peace process, laying the groundwork for future US involvement even when Washington insisted the Troubles were strictly an internal UK matter.
To conclude, we travel back to 1926 to explore a bizarre and controversial scheme by the Northern Ireland government to subsidise emigration. We look at how Sir James Craig's administration spent £5,000 of taxpayer money on Rich Hill Castle in County Armagh to train young people to leave for Canada, exposing the deep economic anxieties and inter-war decline of the industrial North.
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The Forgotten Pandemic: Ireland’s Deadly 1920s “Sleepy Sickness” Mystery
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the "forgotten pandemic" of the early 20th century: Encephalitis Lethargica, or "sleeping sickness". We discuss how this mystery disease left victims in …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the "forgotten pandemic" of the early 20th century: Encephalitis Lethargica, or "sleeping sickness". We discuss how this mystery disease left victims in virtual comas for decades, the high mortality rates that rivalled the Spanish Flu, and why it remains one of history’s most overlooked medical crises.
We also profile the notorious Lord Haw-Haw (William Joyce), the American-born, Ireland-raised Nazi propagandist whose "Germany Calling" broadcasts made him a household name during WWII. We examine his controversial trial for high treason—despite his claims of American citizenship—and the 1976 campaign to have his remains finally buried in consecrated ground in Galway.
To conclude, we revisit the social battlegrounds of Northern Ireland in 1976. We explore the "local indignation" caused by Newry and Mourne District Council's decision to open sports facilities on Sundays, a move that challenged the strict Sabbatarian traditions and the "Lord’s Day" restrictions that once dominated life in the North.
This episode is sponsored by The Sober Irish. The Sober Irish is built on connection, conversation and community — a celebration of life lived fully present. Born in Belfast and growing fast, The Sober Irish is for anyone who wants to do things differently — who values experience, clarity and a bit of craic over chaos. It’s about being there for it all — the music, the sea dips, the laughter, the mornings after. Check out https://thesoberirish.com for more info.
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How a Nobel Prize Destroyed Northern Ireland’s Most Powerful Protest Movement
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we examine the paradoxical year of 1976 in Northern Ireland—a year marked by the second-highest death toll of the Troubles, yet one that offered a fleeting "glimmer of …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we examine the paradoxical year of 1976 in Northern Ireland—a year marked by the second-highest death toll of the Troubles, yet one that offered a fleeting "glimmer of hope" through a spontaneous, bottom-up peace movement.
We recount the horrific tragedy that served as a catalyst: the deaths of the Maguire children in August 1976, which led Betty Williams to launch a "peace snowball" that saw tens of thousands of women from both the Shankill and Falls roads marching together in "hands across the barricade" rallies. We analyze the subsequent rise of the Peace People, their Nobel Peace Prize win, and the spectacular internal fallout that followed, fueled by disputes over prize money and accusations of being "tools of the British state".
Additionally, we investigate the British government's high-stakes political gamble in 1976: the ending of "political status" for paramilitary prisoners. We discuss how this shift toward a "criminalisation" and "Ulsterisation" strategy—treating IRA and UVF members as ordinary criminals in the new Maze prison—backfired by radicalising prisoners and laying the groundwork for the 1981 hunger strikes.
To conclude, we find a rare moment of levity by marking the 1976 passing of Robert May, the creator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We explore the surprising origins of this Christmas icon as a 1930s American department store promotion and the modest rewards given to the man who created a global phenomenon.
This episode is sponsored by The Sober Irish. The Sober Irish is built on connection, conversation and community — a celebration of life lived fully present. Born in Belfast and growing fast, The Sober Irish is for anyone who wants to do things differently — who values experience, clarity and a bit of craic over chaos. It’s about being there for it all — the music, the sea dips, the laughter, the mornings after. Check out https://thesoberirish.com for more info.
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Faulkner’s Failed Sequel: The 1976 Internment Debate
Join Tim McGarry and Dr Cormac Moore on the Irish History Boys as they explore Northern Ireland’s interwar economic collapse and the controversial 1976 internment debate. They analyse how the North’s industrial …
Notas del episodio
Join Tim McGarry and Dr Cormac Moore on the Irish History Boys as they explore Northern Ireland’s interwar economic collapse and the controversial 1976 internment debate. They analyse how the North’s industrial record evaporated after partition, leading to staggering unemployment and stinging criticism of government misgovernance compared to the modernisation efforts in the Irish Free State.
The conversation also revisits Brian Faulkner’s 1976 call to bring back internment, examining Gerry Fitts's warning that the move would only boost the IRA’s standing and the eventual shift toward the policy of criminalisation.
This episode is sponsored by The Sober Irish. The Sober Irish is built on connection, conversation and community — a celebration of life lived fully present. Born in Belfast and growing fast, The Sober Irish is for anyone who wants to do things differently — who values experience, clarity and a bit of craic over chaos. It’s about being there for it all — the music, the sea dips, the laughter, the mornings after. Check out https://thesoberirish.com for more info.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From the "Black North" to Black Taxis: A Century of Divided Tourism in Ireland
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the curious "hairpin bend" of travel in Ireland during 1926, where strangers from abroad were welcomed with open arms while neighbors across the border …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the curious "hairpin bend" of travel in Ireland during 1926, where strangers from abroad were welcomed with open arms while neighbors across the border remained strangers to one another.
We examine the "othering" of the North and how early partition was reinforced by everything from "trip-tech" passes to customs barriers that turned a simple journey into a political statement.
Additionally, we explore the grim reality of 1976—one of the deadliest years of the Troubles—and the near-impossible task of marketing Northern Ireland as a holiday destination while violence reached a horrifying peak.
We discuss the dramatic "cliff-edge" drop in visitor numbers and the eventual, ironic rise of "Troubles tourism" and the famous black taxi tours of Belfast.
To conclude, we tackle the struggle for equality in the workplace, analyzing why the 1976 Fair Employment Act was initially mocked as "weak as dishwater".
We discuss Tim’s firsthand experience at the Fair Employment Commission and how the "carrot and stick" approach of the 1989 Act—enforced by Margaret Thatcher—finally began to dismantle systemic religious discrimination and move Northern Ireland toward a fairer playing field.
This episode is sponsored by The Sober Irish. The Sober Irish is built on connection, conversation and community — a celebration of life lived fully present. Born in Belfast and growing fast, The Sober Irish is for anyone who wants to do things differently — who values experience, clarity and a bit of craic over chaos. It’s about being there for it all — the music, the sea dips, the laughter, the mornings after. Check out https://thesoberirish.com for more info.
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The Assassination that Shocked Ireland: The 1976 Sandyford Bombing
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the July 1976 assassination of the British Ambassador to Ireland, Christopher Ewart-Biggs, and his secretary Judith Cook. This "mid-morning outrage" …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the July 1976 assassination of the British Ambassador to Ireland, Christopher Ewart-Biggs, and his secretary Judith Cook. This "mid-morning outrage" occurred just 12 days into his tenure when a landmine exploded in Sandyford, a tragedy the hosts examine as a "spectacular" strike that intended to drive a wedge between the British and Irish governments.
We examine the human cost of this violence through the eyes of the Ambassador's family—his daughter Kate, who was just eight years old at the time, and his wife Jane, who responded with a dignified crusade for reconciliation rather than bitterness, establishing the Christopher Ewart-Biggs Memorial Prize to promote North-South understanding.
Additionally, we explore why rugby remained an all-Ireland sport while soccer succumbed to the pressures of partition. We discuss the 1926 debate over "entertainment taxes" in Northern Ireland that threatened to move international matches to Dublin and how the IRFU worked to "unshackle" the sport from political divisions by accommodating Ulster unionists through venue selection and the creation of neutral symbols.
To conclude, we tackle the politics of flags and anthems on the pitch, examining the "bastardized" four provinces flag and the eventual creation of "Ireland's Call" as a neutral anthem. We also share the lighter side of sporting identity, from Tony Cascarino’s confusion over "Amhrán na bhFiann" to the complicated rules—or "laws"—that still baffle non-rugby fans today.
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The Dubliner Who Divided Ireland: The Twisted Irony of Edward Carson
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore peel back the layers of Edward Carson, the man whose statue looms over Stormont but whose roots lie deep in Dublin’s Harcourt Street …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore peel back the layers of Edward Carson, the man whose statue looms over Stormont but whose roots lie deep in Dublin’s Harcourt Street. We explore the irony of a southern lawyer becoming the face of Northern Ireland, his devastating courtroom destruction of Trinity classmate Oscar Wilde, and his early reputation as the fierce "Coercion Carson".
Additionally, we delve into the high-stakes "treason" of 1913, examining how Carson helped bring the gun back into Ireland's political landscape through the Ulster Volunteer Force. To conclude, we reflect on Carson’s later years in 1926—a period marked by bitterness and his scathing condemnation of England’s "blackest page of treachery" in its treatment of Irish Loyalists. We ask the ultimate question: was he a principled leader, a master of political "play acting," or the reluctant architect of a partition he never truly wanted?
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The Battle of the Diamond: Birthing the Orange Institution
In the second part of this special series on The Irish History Boys, hosts Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore continue their exploration of the Orange Institution with Dr Jonathan Mattison from the Museum of Orange …
Notas del episodio
In the second part of this special series on The Irish History Boys, hosts Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore continue their exploration of the Orange Institution with Dr Jonathan Mattison from the Museum of Orange Heritage. This episode moves beyond the Battle of the Boyne to examine the century of tension that followed, specifically how the unravelling of the Treaty of Limerick and the implementation of the Penal Laws by the Dublin Parliament influenced Protestant community identity.
Dr Mattison discusses the unique reverence for King William III in Ireland, explaining that because the war for the 1688 settlement was fought on Irish soil, his image became seared into the psyche of the local Protestant population.
The conversation provides a deep dive into the Battle of the Diamond in 1795, illustrating how the Orange Order emerged not just from sectarian rivalry, but from economic warfare between Protestant and Catholic weavers over land and the cottage linen industry. From its official formation at James Sloan’s pub in Loughgall, the episode details the Order's rapid growth as an egalitarian organization that eventually became the backbone of the unionist movement despite initial opposition to the Act of Union.
Finally, the discussion addresses the modern role of the institution, its four pillars of faith, culture, charity, and fraternity, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining these traditions in an increasingly secular society.
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Why the Pope Supported William of Orange: The Surprising International History of 1690
In this special July episode of the Irish History Boys, hosts Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore set aside their usual news archives to explore "orange" history with Dr. Jonathan Mattison from the Museum of Orange …
Notas del episodio
In this special July episode of the Irish History Boys, hosts Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore set aside their usual news archives to explore "orange" history with Dr. Jonathan Mattison from the Museum of Orange Heritage. The discussion uncovers the complex international politics of the Glorious Revolution, including the surprising tactical support William of Orange initially received from Pope Innocent XI to counter the influence of the French King Louis XIV.
The episode highlights why the Siege of Derry was the most critical strategic engagement of the war and provides unique insights into the Battle of the Boyne, such as the international makeup of the armies and the story of William III being wounded the night before the fight. Beyond the battlefield, the hosts explore how the Williamite victory marked a massive shift in power from the monarch to Parliament, laying the constitutional groundwork for the Bill of Rights and even the American Constitution. The conversation also touches on the bloodier Battle of Aughrim and how the religious toleration of the initial settlement was eventually unpicked by penal legislation. The episode concludes with a recommendation to visit Schomberg House and a preview of part 2 on the 1795 founding of the Orange Order.
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Why De Valera’s future looked “Hopeless” in 1926
This week’s episode of The Irish History Boys explores pivotal moments from 1926 and 1976, focusing on Ireland’s evolving sovereignty and security. We discuss how the Irish Free State and other dominions like …
Notas del episodio
This week’s episode of The Irish History Boys explores pivotal moments from 1926 and 1976, focusing on Ireland’s evolving sovereignty and security.
We discuss how the Irish Free State and other dominions like Canada began loosening the ties of the British Empire, eventually leading to full independence through agreements like the Statute of Westminster. The episode revisits a biting 1926 critique that deemed Éamon de Valera’s political future "hopeless" just as he was founding Fianna Fáil.
Shifting to 1976, we examine the Ulsterization of security and the British strategy to criminalise the IRA by treating the conflict as a policing issue rather than a war. Balancing high-stakes politics with local lore, we also share humorous accounts of egg smuggling across the border and highlight Sinn Féin’s 1976 efforts to internationalise their struggle through links with global movements like the PLO and the ANC.
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Rent-Free in the Irish Free State: Why the British Government funded homes for WWI Veterans in 1926
Join Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore for another episode of The Irish History Boys, where they dig into the archives of the Irish News to explore the stories that shaped Ireland 50 and 100 years ago. In this …
Notas del episodio
Join Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore for another episode of The Irish History Boys, where they dig into the archives of the Irish News to explore the stories that shaped Ireland 50 and 100 years ago.
In this episode, we dive into the year 1926, a time of historical quirks and radical social shifts. They discuss the surprising reality of the British government funding homes for heroes for WWI veterans within the newly independent Irish Free State, a policy move that sparked political tension and eventually led to a landmark court case where veterans won the right to live rent-free.
We look into the 1926 report from the Association of Head Mistresses regarding barriers women faced in the workforce eight years after the end of the war.
The dramatic story of a cross-border ambulance dash through a hailstorm after a workhouse master tried to block a life-saving operation based on the new border sparks an interesting discussion followed by a 1920s farmers debate on the Irish Language.
Lastly, Tim and Cormac jump to the year 1976 and examine the fracturing of unionist unity as the UUUC began to split, and discuss the little-known talks between the Official Unionist Party and the SDLP aimed at ending direct rule.
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The Man Who Predicted Brexit: Seán Lemass on Britain, Ireland, and Northern Ireland
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the "lost memoir" of Seán Lemass, drawing on newly discovered tapes that provide a blunt and candid look at the man who transformed a failing state. We …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the "lost memoir" of Seán Lemass, drawing on newly discovered tapes that provide a blunt and candid look at the man who transformed a failing state.
We reflect on Lemass’s rise as the "power behind the throne" during Éamon de Valera’s final years, a period where he transitioned the country away from an "existential threat" and the despair of mass emigration.
We examine Lemass’s radical shift in economic policy, moving Ireland from the "sterile arguments" of protectionism toward a modern, open economy. This includes a look at the First Programme for Economic Expansion and his partnership with TK Whitaker, which replaced "fantasy land" policies with a pragmatic plan for growth that doubled the size of the Irish economy.
Additionally, we explore Lemass’s groundbreaking approach to Northern Ireland. We discuss the historic 1965 meeting with Terence O’Neill—the first time the leaders of the North and South had met in 40 years—and his realistic assessment that partition could only end through reconciliation, not military force or British coercion.
We also highlight his remarkably "prescient" views on Britain's relationship with Europe, including his 1960s warning that the British might only join the EEC to "slow down its development".
To conclude, we tackle the domestic legacy of the Lemass era, specifically the revolutionary introduction of free secondary education, which sought to remove what was called the "darkest stain" on the country. We also address his complex relationship with his son-in-law, Charles Haughey, and his final, unsentimental reflections on a career that, unlike most in politics, did not end in failure.
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Rewriting Ireland's History - The Lost Memoirs of Sean Lemass
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the "lost memoirs" of Seán Lemass, a man widely regarded as the architect of modern Ireland. Joined by author and editor Ronan McGrevy, we explore the …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the "lost memoirs" of Seán Lemass, a man widely regarded as the architect of modern Ireland. Joined by author and editor Ronan McGrevy, we explore the significance of the rediscovered 1960s tapes that provide an unprecedented, first-hand account of Lemass’s 50-year public life.
We confront the hidden personal tragedies that were long "elided" from his official life story, most notably the accidental childhood shooting of his brother Herbert, an event that remained unknown to the public and even his own daughter for decades. We also reflect on the brutal state-sanctioned execution of his brother Noel in 1923, a vengeful killing by Free State agents that eventually propelled Seán into his own political career.
Additionally, we examine Lemass’s transition from revolutionary "poacher" to state "gamekeeper". We discuss his involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising and the controversial revelations found in his pension application regarding his role in the Bloody Sunday assassinations. We explore the tension between his militant Republican past and his later role as a pragmatic leader who helped found Fianna Fáil to move beyond "absolute abstentionism".
To conclude, we analyze the modernization of the Irish economy under Lemass’s vision, shifting the nation away from protectionism and toward free trade and the EEC. We tackle his legacy in creating essential semi-state bodies like Aer Lingus and Bord na Móna, while providing a glimpse into his private character—a hardworking, incorruptible, and deeply compartmentalised man who remains, to this day, Ireland's most respected Taoiseach.
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Lifting the Rock: Journalist Chris Moore Reveals Northern Ireland’s Most Dangerous Cover-Up
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we continue our harrowing exploration of the Kincora Boys' Home scandal with award-winning journalist Chris Moore, uncovering the "rotten" truth beneath one of …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we continue our harrowing exploration of the Kincora Boys' Home scandal with award-winning journalist Chris Moore, uncovering the "rotten" truth beneath one of Northern Ireland’s most disturbing institutional cover-ups.
We delve into the tragic testimony of survivor Arthur Smith, who recounts his journey from a broken home to Kincora at just 11 years old—a place where his initial hope for safety was met with "horrendous" abuse at the hands of housewarden William McGrath.
We further examine the "astonishing allegation" involving the Queen’s cousin, Lord "Dicky" Mountbatten, whom multiple survivors identify as a key abuser within the home. Through Moore’s investigative lens, we trace a disturbing pattern of predatory behaviour that allegedly extended from Kincora to Lambeth and various hotels across Ireland, highlighting the paradox of shame felt by the victims while their high-profile abusers remained protected.
Additionally, we tackle the institutional wall of silence erected by the British state. We discuss the role of MI5 in allegedly covering up these crimes to "protect the sovereign," including the shocking revelation that intelligence officers discussed providing "false files" to official investigations to stymie the truth. This episode highlights the systemic obstruction faced by the RUC and journalists alike when attempting to hold powerful figures accountable.
To conclude, we reflect on the personal stakes of Moore's decades-long investigation, from being "warned off" and threatened with prison by MI5 to the ongoing struggle to bring the "Lost Boys" of Kincora into the light. We address the enduring silence from the British media and the disturbing possibility that the networks of abuse described 45 years ago may still cast a shadow over the present day.
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Britain’s Darkest Secret: The Northern Ireland Scandal MI5 Tried to Bury
**WARNING - This episode contains references to child sex abuse**In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the harrowing and long-suppressed history of the Kincora Boys' Home in East Belfast—a …
Notas del episodio
**WARNING - This episode contains references to child sex abuse**
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the harrowing and long-suppressed history of the Kincora Boys' Home in East Belfast—a scandal described as "Britain’s Shame" and a profound betrayal of the most vulnerable children in society. We examine the systematic sexual abuse that began in the late 1950s under unqualified wardens and discuss how early reports of these "unpleasant" crimes were chillingly "sidestepped" by authorities.
We explore the rise of William McGrath, the notorious "Beast of Kincora," an evangelical preacher who maintained a sinister double life as a paramilitary leader and alleged intelligence asset. We discuss how the grim violence of the Troubles provided a convenient backdrop for the state to ignore horrific complaints, as the relentless cycle of "bodies in the streets, bombs and bullets" often meant the cries of abused boys were tragically overlooked.
Additionally, we dissect the British establishment’s enduring struggle to keep the truth of Kincora buried. Joined by award-winning investigative journalist Chris Moore, we examine the role of MI5 and the secret services in "blocking" a full judicial inquiry and the shocking decision to seal official files until 2065 and 2085. We discuss the tension between the public's right to the truth and the state's efforts to "knock the story on the head" to protect its own interests.
To conclude, we reflect on the courage of the survivors who stood up against a system that threatened them with "death if they spoke". We highlight how, 45 years after the first exposé in the Irish Independent, the fight for accountability continues against a legacy of state-sponsored cover-ups and a judicial system that failed to grasp the "true damage" inflicted upon the souls of the children in its care
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Why Ireland’s Massive Railway Network Suddenly Vanished
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we examine a pivotal moment in the Troubles: the 1976 shift in American diplomacy that forever altered the conflict's trajectory.We discuss how John Hume bypassed the …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we examine a pivotal moment in the Troubles: the 1976 shift in American diplomacy that forever altered the conflict's trajectory.
We discuss how John Hume bypassed the "internal UK issue" blockade to engage the "Four Horsemen"—including Ted Kennedy and Tip O’Neill—effectively bringing the weight of Washington D.C. to bear on the search for peace.
We reflect on these diplomatic maneuvers within the context of 1976’s grim violence, the second worst year of the Troubles in terms of deaths.
We explore the "muscular Christianity" of the era through Cardinal William Conway’s staunch 1976 defense of denominational schools, where he argued that only a religious "supportive framework" could prevent the youth from being "rudderless" in a sectarian society.
Additionally, we travel back to 1926 to witness the "rapid and alarming" collapse of the Irish railway network following partition.
We explore how the "big tentacles" of a system that once reached every corner of the island were severed by a "hard border," customs barriers, and the failure of the Council of Ireland to maintain an all-island service.
To conclude, we tackle a bizarre instance of "human idiocy" from May 1926: the appearance of the Ku Klux Klan in London.
We examine the scathing editorial response of the time, which prophetically warned against "naves or fanatics" who lead the directionless—a sentiment that continues to resonate a century later
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The Machine That Ruled Ireland: How Fianna Fáil Conquered a Nation for 67 Years
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we mark the centenary of a political movement that would dominate the landscape of the southern state for nearly a century: Fianna Fáil. We revisit May 16, 1926, when …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we mark the centenary of a political movement that would dominate the landscape of the southern state for nearly a century: Fianna Fáil. We revisit May 16, 1926, when Éamon de Valera addressed a crowded theater in Dublin to launch a party that promised to move away from animalistic formalism and toward the realities of power.
We explore the massive risk this split from Sinn Féin represented and how the party transitioned from Civil War rebels to the most successful political organization in the history of the state.
Our discussion highlights the heavy lifting of Seán Lemass, the great organizer who drove battered old Fords across the country to establish a cumann in every parish. We examine how this grassroots machine allowed the party to master the art of electioneering and eventually hold power for 67 of the last 95 years. We also delve into the dramatic events of 1927, including the assassination of Kevin O'Higgins and the pragmatic shift that saw de Valera dismiss the mandatory oath of allegiance as a mere empty formula to gain entry to the Dáil.
To conclude, we tackle the party's complex legacy, ranging from its radical housing programs in the 1930s to the scandals of brown envelopes and corruption that later tarnished its reputation. We also reflect on the ineffective approach toward Northern Ireland and the slow evolution from hollow rhetoric to the pragmatic peace-making efforts of the modern era.
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Defending the Republic: The Siege and Execution of Rory O'Connor
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the momentous and tragic final year of Rory O’Connor, culminating in the "completely illegal" reprisal executions of O’Connor, Liam Mellows, Joe …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the momentous and tragic final year of Rory O’Connor, culminating in the "completely illegal" reprisal executions of O’Connor, Liam Mellows, Joe McKelvey, and Dick Barrett in December 1922. We examine these state-sanctioned killings—described as an act of "literal revenge" for the assassination of TD Seán Hales—as a pivotal and controversial moment in the birth of the Irish state.
We examine O'Connor's role within the context of the Irish Civil War's escalating bitterness, tracing his journey from the IRA's head of engineering to the "most public face" of anti-Treaty opposition. We discuss the "split within a split" that saw former comrades turn their guns on one another and the ways in which the 1916 tradition of martyrdom influenced the fateful decision to occupy the Four Courts.
Additionally, we explore the Irish Free State's struggle to legitimise its authority through the controversial "Army Special Powers Resolution". We discuss the tactical decision to avoid formal legislation—which would have required the British monarch's signature—in favour of a resolution that empowered military courts to hand down death sentences to Republican prisoners. This highlights the stark tension between the burgeoning state’s democratic aspirations and its descent into what some critics viewed as a "military dictatorship".
To conclude, we tackle the deeply personal tragedy of the conflict, specifically the haunting story of Kevin O’Higgins sanctioning the execution of his own best man, Rory O’Connor. We reflect on the "moral" cost of the 81 state executions, debating whether the Free State's pursuit of stability through "vengeance" allowed it to win the war while ultimately "losing the peace".
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The Secret Bomb-Maker of Ireland: How Rory O'Connor Fueled the Revolution
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the life and radicalization of Republican figure Rory O’Connor, drawing on Jerry Shannon’s new biography, To Defend the Republic. We examine O’Connor’s …
Notas del episodio
In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the life and radicalization of Republican figure Rory O’Connor, drawing on Jerry Shannon’s new biography, To Defend the Republic. We examine O’Connor’s transition from a "wandering spirit" working on Canadian railroads to a central, albeit enigmatic, figure in the Irish Volunteers and the IRB.
We explore O’Connor’s surprising personal background, born into a "castle Catholic" family with a father who supported the British regime. We discuss his elite education and early radicalization at UCD, where he first met key figures like Joseph Plunkett. We also delve into his clandestine work at the Larkfield Chemical Company, ostensibly making aspirin but actually "creating bombs for the volunteers" ahead of the 1916 Rising.
Additionally, we trace O’Connor’s "Damascus conversion" from wanting to join the British army in 1915 to becoming a tireless worker in the shadows of the revolutionary movement. We highlight his role as the Director of Engineering for the IRA and his activities as OC of the IRA in Britain, including spectacular jailbreaks and operations in Liverpool.
To conclude, we explore the deep, complex friendship between O’Connor and Kevin O’Higgins, his former colleague in the Department of Local Government. We reflect on the irony of O'Connor serving as O’Higgins's best man in 1921, set against the backdrop of the looming Civil War and the political fractures that would eventually lead to their tragic estrangement and O'Connor's execution
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Aquí están los 40 episodios más recientes de 85. Los anteriores están en el feed del podcast.
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