Explore every episode of the podcast The Irish History Boys

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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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**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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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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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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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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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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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we anticipate the historic release of the 1926 Census, a "huge treasure trove of information" becoming available for the first time under the hundred-year rule. We reflect on its immense value for social historians and those tracing family trees, offering a unique "color to that story" of Irish life following a decade of unprecedented upheaval between 1911 and 1926.

We examine the 1926 Census as the first taken in a post-partition Ireland and discuss the "awful shame" of the lost Northern records, which were destroyed in the Second World War during the Belfast Blitz. We also explore the dramatic decline of the Protestant population in the South during this period, debating whether this shift was due to "ethnic cleansing," the natural withdrawal of British forces, or the general "upheaval of the War of Independence and the Civil War".

Additionally, we delve into the complex legacy of Seán Lemass, the "pragmatic" Taoiseach often considered the architect of modern Ireland. We trace his extraordinary path from a teenage rebel in the GPO to the founding of Fianna Fáil and his role in dragging the state out of isolationism toward EEC membership. This journey is framed by the profound personal tragedies that shaped him, including the accidental shooting of one brother and the brutal 1923 abduction and murder of another, Noel, by a Free State "murder gang".

To conclude, we reflect on the 1976 commemorations of the Easter Rising at Milltown Cemetery, examining the "long war" rhetoric of the Provisional IRA and the "hollow" promises of being on the "threshold of victory". Finally, we attempt to settle the lighthearted "Snowballgate" debate: was it Seán Lemass or his successor, Jack Lynch, who was targeted by Ian Paisley’s snowballs during the high-stakes cross-border meetings of the 1960s?

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the heated 1976 debate surrounding integrated education in Northern Ireland. We examine a scathing letter from a "very concerned" parent to the Irish News, which denounced the burgeoning movement for integrated schools as a threat to Catholic culture and traditions. This correspondence highlights the deep-seated fears and sectarian tensions of the era, where even the classroom became a battlefield for religious identity, marked by allegations of intolerance and the perceived surrender of "treasured customs".

We also travel back to April 1926 to recount the extraordinary story of Violet Gibson, the Dublin-born daughter of a prominent unionist peer, who attempted to assassinate Benito Mussolini in Rome. We discuss how Mussolini exploited this "lone wolf" attack to consolidate his fascist grip on power and project an image of "coolness" and bravery. The discussion explores Gibson’s complex background—from her conversion to Catholicism to her history of mental health struggles—and her eventual fate of being declared insane and confined to an English asylum for the remainder of her life.

To conclude, we explore the fractures within the Irish trade union movement following partition, specifically the split between the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) and the Ulster Teachers’ Union (UTU). We analyse how the constitutional question often trumped "bread and butter" labour issues, leading to a "chasm" between workers of different backgrounds. Finally, we address the removal of Proportional Representation in Northern Ireland, a move that marginalized the labour movement and further cemented the "siege mentality" of the partitionist state.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the 1976 assassination of Sinn Féin Vice President Máire Drumm, who was shot dead by loyalist gunmen while recovering from an eye operation in Belfast’s Mater Hospital.

We examine the chilling allegations that Secretary of State Merlin Rees "set her up" as a target through a series of unprecedented personal public attacks just months before her murder.

We place this high-profile killing within the context of the "collective madness" of 1976—historically the second bloodiest year of the Troubles—characterised by devastating 400-pound landmine attacks in South Armagh and a relentless cycle of sectarian violence that seemed to offer no escape.

We also contrast this grim reality with the global hope surrounding Nelson Mandela, discussing the 1976 reports of his potential release from Robin Island and the eventual inspirational "rainbow nation" template he offered for reconciliation.

Additionally, we explore the deep-seated grievances of nationalists "west of the Bann" in 1926, who felt systematically ignored and "neglected" by a Belfast-centric Unionist government in matters of trade, infrastructure, and education.

We discuss the pivotal political dilemma of the era: whether to maintain a policy of abstentionism or enter the Northern Parliament to fight for a "fair crack" for regions like Derry and Newry.

To conclude, we address the "heartless order" of 1926, which saw political exiles barred from returning home for family funerals under the threat of arrest, a striking historical precursor to the modern "On The Run" (OTR) letters controversy.

Finally, we examine the Irish Free State's early experiments with economic protectionism, specifically the struggle to cultivate an indigenous tobacco industry through heavy tariffs and the blending of "fairly good" homegrown leaves with American imports.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the 1926 Donegal County Council controversy, where a resolution was passed requiring all council officials to reside within the county or face dismissal. We analyze this move—described as a "further slight" to Northern Nationalists—against the backdrop of the Boundary Commission debacle, which left many feeling abandoned by the Free State government and subjected to a "partitionist" policy.

We also explore the complex naming debate that has plagued the island for a century, examining why terms like "Ireland," "Ulster," and "The Six Counties" remain such a significant "bugbear" for different political identities. This leads to a fascinating look at the technicality of December 1922, questioning whether there was a "brief moment" of a legally United Ireland during the month Northern Ireland was given to opt out of the Free State.

Shifting to the 1970s, we reflect on the stunning political conversion of Bill Craig. Once a hardline leader of the Vanguard movement who "flirted with paramilitarism," Craig’s 1976 meeting with Dublin government leaders signaled a shocking shift toward power-sharing that was "formerly unthinkable" and ultimately led to his political obscurity.

To conclude, we address the "economic blizzard" of 1976, a year when Northern Ireland hit a grim milestone of 50,000 unemployed workers amidst the IRA's deliberate policy to make the state "economically unviable".

We also examine the border security tensions of the era, specifically the Irish government's refusal to allow joint patrols with the British Army, highlighting the "politically unacceptable" nature of cross-border military cooperation.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the shock resignation of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson on St. Patrick’s Day 1976, a move that left the political world reeling and remains shrouded in mystery. 

We explore the real reasons behind his departure—from economic exhaustion to private fears for his health—and examine the secret "Doomsday scenario" files that contemplated Britain pulling out of the North to create an independent Ulster.

We analyze the volatile relationship between Wilson and Northern Ireland, reflecting on his infamous 1974 televised address where he branded unionists as "spongers" off the British state.

We also discuss the "dirty tricks" and rumored coup attempts involving Lord Mountbatten, before looking at how his successor, Jim Callaghan, ushered in a new era of "criminalisation" and "Ulsterisation" that would fundamentally alter the course of the Troubles.

Additionally, we revisit the macabre international sensation of 1926: the story of the three Nixon sisters who kept their mother’s skeleton on a kitchen couch for four years, claiming to be guided by the "singing of birds". We use this "real-life Psycho" mystery to frame the social and "moral panic" of the 1920s, examining the rigid Sabbatarian debates in Portadown and Coleraine where even the Sunday trading of newspapers was seen as a threat to the Lord’s Day.

We also tackle the contentious intersection of sport and identity, using the 1926 Ireland vs. Wales rugby match as a lens. We debate the "intrinsically linked" nature of politics and athletics, discussing the controversies surrounding national anthems and flags, the "foreign games ban," and how sports like rugby and football became pillars of differing national expressions.

To conclude, we reflect on Liam Cosgrave’s 1976 address to the US Congress, a pivotal moment where he warned that American "pennies, dimes, or dollars" were directly funding the IRA’s campaign of violence. We examine how this speech reinforced the "principle of consent", a policy that insisted the North’s constitutional position would only change through the will of its majority, a concept that would not be fully accepted by all sides until the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the harrowing 1976 UVF attack on the Golden Pheasant restaurant—a "mass murder attempt" that claimed the lives of brothers Tony and Miles O’Reilly. 

We examine these senseless killings within the context of 1976’s grim violence, a year that saw the second-highest death toll of the Troubles and was defined by a "political vacuum" following the collapse of the Sunningdale Agreement. 

We also discuss Seamus Mallon’s famously inaccurate 1976 forecast of power-sharing within two years—a vision that would ultimately take 22 years to become "Sunningdale for slow learners".

Additionally, we explore Éamon de Valera’s 1926 struggle to "unshackle" his movement from the "politically limp" policy of abstentionism.

We discuss his narrow five-vote defeat within Sinn Féin over the oath of allegiance—a pivotal moment that led to the founding of Fianna Fáil and a new era of political pragmatism that sought to attract a broader base of supporters.

To conclude, we tackle the "moral panic" of the 1920s, examining the social crusade against "American-style" beauty shows, which an Irish News editorial condemned as symbols of "decadence" and "materialism" that lacked spiritual value. 

We also address the early accusations of BBC bias in 1926 and 1976, highlighting the "pitiable" lack of Irish cultural programming and the contentious refusal to use the name "Derry," which listeners felt ignored the identity of the nationalist community.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we delve into the seismic political shift of 1926—the split within Sinn Féin that birthed the Fianna Fáil party. We examine Éamon de Valera’s pragmatic yet controversial move to abandon abstentionism, provided the oath of allegiance was removed, and the pivotal role of his protege Seán Lemass in driving this new movement. We also draw parallels between this 1926 rupture and the Republican movement's similar debate over entering the Dáil sixty years later in 1986.

Additionally, we revisit the 1922 arrest of the Monaghan football team in Tyrone, an event still sparking heated debate in 1926 over whether it was a "wild act" or a legitimate revolutionary mission. We trace the dark consequences of this incident, including retaliatory kidnappings and the escalation of sectarian violence in Belfast, specifically reflecting on the forgotten horror of the Weaver Street massacre, where a grenade attack claimed the lives of children playing in the street.

To conclude, we transition to the cultural tensions of 1976, examining the "mini-referendum" in Craigavon regarding the opening of recreational facilities on Sundays—a direct challenge to the rigid Sabbatarianism of the time. Finally, we reflect on the 1976 Trócaire Lenten campaign, the iconic "Trócaire box," and the enduring, if complicated, legacy of Bishop Eamonn Casey in Irish charitable life.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore reflect on the "obituary" of the 1975–1976 Constitutional Convention, a failed British attempt to find a political solution that instead left Northern Ireland in a "complete political vacuum". We examine how the refusal of unionists to share power led to a period of "violence and stagnation," with 1976 becoming one of the bloodiest years of the Troubles.

We also dive into the financial "insolvency" of Northern Ireland, tracing it back to 1926 when the statelet first required a "free gift" from the British Treasury to avoid bankruptcy and pay unemployment benefits. We discuss the myth of the North as a self-sustaining industrial powerhouse and reveal how it has evolved into the highest per-head drain on UK resources, now costing an estimated £14 billion a year.

Additionally, we explore the social and legislative landscape of the mid-70s, from the introduction of sex discrimination laws to the "watered down" Fair Employment Act of 1975. We also discuss the historical "security lapse" of 1981, where the IRA came remarkably close to assassinating the Queen during a visit to the Shetland Islands.

To conclude, we tackle the modern-day debate over a United Ireland, questioning whether the British truly want to leave and if the Republic of Ireland is prepared to inherit a "partition statelet" that has never truly paid its own way.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we reflect on the barbaric 1976 murders of Mary Sloan, May Sloan, and Doris McGrath—a tragedy described at the time as a "new low in barbarity". 

We examine these senseless killings within the context of 1976's grim violence and the ways in which such horrific events were often "hazed over" by the relentless cycle of conflict during the Troubles.

Additionally, we explore the Irish Free State's struggle to "unshackle" itself from the British judicial yoke in 1926. We discuss the debate over judges’ wigs and gowns as a symbol of burgeoning statehood and the tension between adopting the inherited British system versus the more egalitarian, indigenous Dáil court system.

To conclude, we tackle the "moral panic" of the 1920s, examining how both Catholic and Protestant leaders waged a social crusade against the perceived evils of jazz, modern dancing, and "evil literature". We also address 1926 proposals for border tolls on heavy lorries, highlighting how economic disputes further cemented the reality of partition.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Frank Stagg’s 1976 hunger strike—a 60-day ordeal that ended in a "cloud of controversy" and left his family deeply divided. We examine the harrowing physiological toll of the strike and the Irish government's extraordinary tactical decision to intercept Stagg's remains via helicopter to prevent the IRA from achieving a "propaganda coup".

Additionally, we travel back 100 years to 1926 to analyze the "splenetic denunciation" of the Irish Free State by the Unionist press. We discuss how the Irish News exposed this as a "political trick" used by leaders to distract their own public from domestic grievances by focusing on the "business worries" of their neighbours.

To conclude, we address the international stage of the mid-1920s, specifically Benito Mussolini’s aggressive "Italianization" of South Tyrol. We examine his defiant stance against the "toothless" League of Nations, a bold assertion of power that signaled the darkening political climate of early 20th-century Europe.

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In this episode of the Irish History Boys, we examine the poignant death and funeral of Anthony Reavy in 1976—the third brother in one family to perish following a loyalist shooting. We place this tragedy within the broader context of the era's relentless sectarian violence and the prevailing "political vacuum" of the time.

Additionally, we highlight the growth of indigenous Irish commercial entities, such as IPB Insurance, as symbols of burgeoning statehood and the drive to move away from British-run systems.

To conclude, we address a listener's strategic question regarding the partition of Ireland: specifically, whether the unionists' decision to secure six counties instead of four ultimately created the demographic conditions for a future reunification.

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his week we explore the fallout of the tripartite agreement of 1926, which led to the release of 33 political prisoners in Northern Ireland—though three "Derry prisoners" remained behind bars due to their roles in a fatal rescue attempt. We examine how political status served as a recurring bargaining chip, tracing the history of Republican resistance from the 1918 "German Plot" to the daring escapes of the Civil War.

Finally, we discuss the harrowing death of hunger striker Frank Stagg in 1976 and the British government's "callous" refusal to grant him a transfer to a Northern Irish prison. We also look at the Irish government's extraordinary measures to prevent a Republican funeral, including the use of helicopters and concrete to secure his final resting place against his family's wishes

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Tim McGarry and Dr Cormac look back at the significant news stories of 1926 and 1976. Regarding 1926, they explore the complexities of the cross-channel postal service and the unionist desire for a "red route" to bypass the Irish Free State, highlighting Northern Ireland's unique status as a "polity". They also examine the legacy of the Belfast boycott—a counterproductive campaign that may have accelerated the start of the Civil War—and a prophetic letter to the Irish News bemoaning the "lost art of conversation" in the face of new technologies like radio and cinema.

Moving to 1976, they reflect on a "bleak and miserable" period defined by "pure evil" and a "total political vacuum" following the collapse of the Sunningdale agreement. They delve into the horrific sectarian atrocities in South Armagh, specifically the Reevy and O'Dowd family murders and the retaliatory Kingsmill massacre. The hosts discuss the long-term impact on survivors like Alan Black, the lack of formal inquests, and the unsettling questions regarding potential British collusion and the mysterious role of Robert Nairac.

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Tim McGarry and Dr Cormac look back at the significant news stories of 1925 and 1975. Regarding 1925, they delve into the Boundary Commission, which established the permanent border of Northern Ireland and was seen as a "triumph for unionism" under James Craig, alongside social issues like the emancipation of women smoking in public and a largely "forgotten" famine in the West of Ireland.

Moving to 1975, they reflect on a "miserable year" defined by a political vacuum, horrific sectarian violence such as the Miami Showband murders, and the unexpected political conversion of hardliner William Craig to the idea of power-sharing.

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Following the leak of the Boundary Commission's report, the high-stakes Tripartite Agreement of 1925 established that the border would remain unchanged, ensuring Northern Ireland conceded no territory.

In exchange for accepting the existing boundary, the Irish Free State was relieved of its crippling obligation to pay a share of the UK's imperial debt, estimated at roughly £150 million.

However, W.T. Cosgrave’s government faced severe backlash and a major political crisis for prioritising this financial reprieve over the interests of Northern nationalists, who were effectively abandoned by the deal.

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This episode centers on the crisis created by the leaked award of the Irish Boundary Commission in November 1925, which was abysmal for nationalists as it suggested the Free State would lose parts of Donegal and Monaghan, leading to the resignation of Free State Commissioner Eoin MacNeill and creating the biggest crisis Cosgrave’s government faced since the Civil War.

President Cosgrave rushed to London to attend conferences with British Premier Stanley Baldwin and Northern Premier Sir James Craig, determined to bury the report because the findings were politically unacceptable, despite being in a weak negotiating position.

Free State negotiators, particularly Kevin O'Higgins, leveraged the threat that their government’s collapse would result in a Republican regime to shift the negotiation focus towards shelving the boundary issue (Article 12) in exchange for waiving the Free State’s substantial financial contribution to imperial debt under Article 5.

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This episode concentrates on the 1925 Boundary Commission crisis and its fallout for the Free State, triggered by the dramatic resignation of Free State representative Eoin MacNeill around November 22nd.

We also discuss the concurrent debate among anti-Treaty Republicans, including Éamon De Valera, about whether to abandon their abstentionist policy and enter the Free State parliament amidst the political instability.

Finally, we address a listener query on the distinct development of healthcare systems, particularly the role of religious hospitals, in Northern Ireland and the Free State following Partition.

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The episode explores the immense influence of World War I on Irish history from setting the stage for the Easter Rising and War of Independence to motivating over 200,000 Irish volunteers (Catholic and Protestant) to enlist, often for economic reasons or in anticipation of Home Rule.

Tim & Cormac discuss the 1918 anti-conscription campaign, which powerfully united nationalist Ireland against British rule.

They also address the difficulties faced by returning veterans and the challenges confronting Protestant communities in the Free State post-partition, including antagonism and violence.

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This episode of the Irish History Boys is dedicated to dissecting the political fallout generated by the explosive November 7th, 1925, Morning Post leak—the event described by sources as the climax of the entire Irish Boundary Commission saga.

The Morning Post's forecast, initially met with skepticism, proved almost on the money, revealing that the Commission was planning only rectification on lines convenient to both sides and not at any large transfers of territory. This outcome, involving mere tiny little tinkerings with the border, was instantly recognised as a complete unionist victory.

Join us as we examine how a single newspaper leak derailed the Boundary Commission and solidified partition.

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This week, we're uncovering historical drama that still echoes today. We dig into the League of Nations, the toothless tiger whose failures against big bullies like Mussolini's Italy made people question its power—a debate still relevant when looking at the UN today.

We also celebrate the Irish Free State's successful 1923 entry into the League as a massive power move to assert its independence, despite attempts by the British to shut it down.

Finally, we jump ahead to 1975 to examine the end of the brutal regime of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, who outlived all his wartime peers, before concluding with the shocking, tragic, and often forgotten 1925 story of Irish politician Darrell Figgis TD.

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This week on The Irish History Boys, the discussion covers the controversy surrounding the Free State granting major contracts, such as the vital hydro-electric scheme on the Shannon, to foreign companies like the German firm Siemens, instead of British firms.

Fast forward to 1975 and the border between North and South Ireland transformed into a security border during the Troubles, complete with physical barriers and watchtowers. Tim and Cormac detail the "grave concern at border trespass", focusing on an incident where five British soldiers crossed two miles into the Republic, allegedly raiding a farmhouse and commandeering a car while pursuing men on a tractor.

Finally, the episode examines the notorious 1975 conviction of the Guildford Four—three men and a young girl—for the Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings. Judge John Johnson famously warned 21-year-old Paul Hill that "life meant life", a devastating sentence for a crime they did not commit, though their innocence was later supported when the Balcombe Street IRA gang confessed to the bombings.

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This week, the Irish History Boys explore the messiness, the craziness and the unrealism that surrounded the Partition of Ireland. We discuss the intense speculation and rumors surrounding the Irish Boundary Commission's report in October 1925, highlighting the complications caused by duplicated services and the controversial interpretation of Article 12 that ultimately cemented the six-county border.

The episode also shifts focus to the 1975 canonization of St. Oliver Plunkett, who became the first Irishman granted this honour in over 700 years. We recount the history of the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, detailing his condemnation in a show trial and his gruesome execution in 1681 by being hanged, drawn, and quartered.

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This episode of the Irish History Boys explores two significant and controversial events that unfolded in 1975, beginning with the curious, unsanctioned kidnapping of Dr.Tiede Herrema, a Dutch industrialist, in County Limerick by rogue IRA members.

The kidnappers, led by Eddie Gallagher, sought the release of Republican prisoners like Rose Dugdale, leading to a massive, internationally covered siege.

Simultaneously, an infamous trial was concluding across the water regarding the 1974 Guildford and Woolwich pub bombings.

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This week explores events spanning a century, including the unexpected death 100 years ago of Sir Dennis Henry and the first Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland. Considered an outlier, he faced the gargantuan task of establishing the entire judiciary and legal system of the new jurisdiction following Partition.

The episode also turns to 1975, a time of escalating violence during the Troubles, discussing the political vacuum created when William Craig, leader of the Vanguard Unionist Party, resigned as deputy leader of the United Ulster Unionist Council (UUUC). This collapse followed his proposal to allow the constitutional nationalist SDLP to share power.

In the same crucial week, the Secretary of State, Merlyn Rees, decided to outlaw the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) in October 1975.

And finally, an appearance by silent film superstar Charlie Chaplin, who successfully sued an imitator in Los Angeles to protect the rights to his character’s distinctive garb and mannerisms.

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This episode of The Irish History Boys goes back 100 years to examine the high stakes of the 1925 Boundary Commission, which was established following the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty to determine the final boundaries between the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.

We explore the intense hopes in border areas, such as Clones, that large sections of the North would be transferred south. While nationalists were completely in the dark and relied on wild kind of guesses based on rumours of customs posts moving, the unionist leaders appeared a lot more relaxed as they seemed to know what was going on.

Additionally, the episode delves into the history of Proportional Representation (PR) in the North, noting its initial introduction as a safeguard for minority representation, but explaining how it was systematically abolished by unionists in local and parliamentary elections to maintain their political dominance and control.

Finally, we discuss the mysterious fate of the lost 1926 Northern Ireland census, a significant historical collection that disappeared soon after the boundary settlement.

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On this episode, we're getting into a really serious part of Irish history. We'll be looking at the sad history of sectarian violence on the streets of Belfast in 1975.

Then, we'll fast forward to 1925 and the curious story of Ireland's upper chambers, north and south.

Finally, we'll dive into the bizarre case of US heiress Patty Hearst, who was kidnapped in 1974 by the revolutionary Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA).

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Cormac and Tim delve into the deep political divisions within unionism and the significant influence of loyalist paramilitary groups in 1975 Northern Ireland, where anti-power-sharing unionists held sway and paramilitaries publicly backed William Craig's call for talks, contributing to a decade of political stagnation. The discussion also delves into the economic landscape of the 1920s, revealing how Northern Ireland and British companies established factories in the Irish Free State to circumvent new customs duties, highlighting the early economic impacts of partition. Finally, they explore the "spiky spicy language" used by the British press in 1925 to influence the Irish Boundary Commission, even suggesting extreme measures like military action and the "naval bombard" of Belfast if the Northern government resisted its decisions, underscoring the intense political pressure of the era.

View the full episode on YouTube

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Tim McGarry and Dr. Cormac Moore delve into the surprising history of trade barriers and customs forms between Northern Ireland and Great Britain – a century before Brexit and the Protocol! Discover how, in September 1925, Northern Ireland goods faced "vexatious restrictions and impediments," requiring detailed declarations and even chemical analysis for items like silk and artificial silk, a stark contrast to trade within other parts of the UK.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

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