Irish History Podcast

The Phoenix Park Murders are one of the most famous assassinations in Irish History. On May 6th 1882 Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke were killed in brutal circumstances in the Phoenix Park. The full story is covered in Part I. This episode follows the manhunt for the assassins. While the police quickly identified the likely suspects, they had almost no evidence to make arrests. This lead to a fascinating and relentless pursuit for evidence through victorian Dublin, while the assassins prepared to carry out more attacks. The show concludes with the trials and one of the most notorious informers in Irish history. So far 65 listeners like you have supported my crowd funding campaign to make a podcast series on the Great Famine in 2017. You help me make that series by becoming a patron of the series today at https://www.patreon.com/Irishpodcast. As a patron you will receive bonus and exclusive content including episode guides, exclusive patron's podcasts and access to patrons discussions.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Phoenix Park Murders are among the most famous political assassinations in Irish History. On May 6th 1882, Lord Frederick Cavendish the new chief secretary for Ireland was assassinated in the Phoenix Park in brutal circumstances. Taking place at the height of the Land War, the fascinating story of the murders is set to the backdrop of riots, protests and other assassinations. In part I, I look at this context by following Frederick Cavendish on his last day alive before finishing up with the assassination itself.  You can become a patron of the podcast at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast. Patrons receive bonus shows, episode guides and much more. Find out more at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I took my recorder and headed around my neighbourhood looking for the history of the Great Famine. Unsurprisingly I didn't have to travel far. With the Women's prison, the North Dublin Workhouse and the residence of the Lord Lieutenant all within a kilometre, this show is full of fascinating accounts recorded at the sites they took place. From the mansions of the powerful to the prison cells of the powerless, this is a fascinating account of life in Dublin in the late 1840s. Among the lives recalled is that of 13 year old Mary Keane was imprisoned for not having a train ticket! However others faced worse punishment... I am planning a major podcast series on the Great Famine in 2017. To deliver this I need your support. I have launched a campaign at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast. This allows you to become a patron of the series and support my research with small monthly donations. In return for your support you will get lots of bonus content including an exclusive monthly patrons podcast, a patrons guide to each episode and much more. Check it out at www.patreon.com/irishpodcast. Thanks Fin  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this final episode on the Maamtrasna murders, we begin by picking up the story of this fascinating murder case in December 1882. Eight men have been sentenced to die in Galway Jail on December the 15th for their role in the brutal killings of the Joyce family. While five get their sentences commuted to the life imprisonment three are set to die. However at the last minute new evidence emerges. This is sent to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland of Ireland John Poyntz Spencer. However he doesn't have much time to decide what to do - the hangman William Marwood was already on his way to Galway prison. Find out what happens in the show. In this episode I also launch a new patreon campaign where you can support the podcast as I build towards my upcoming major series on the Great Famine. You can find out more at patreon.com/irishpodcast where i also have a new video. Filmed in an abandoned famine village in the Cooley Mountains, it explains what you can expect from the podcast in 2017. For more check out patreon.com/irishpodcast   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Part I of this series on the Maamtrasna murders I looked at one of the most brutal killings in 19th century Ireland when the Joyce family were attacked in their remote home in Maamtrasna on the Mayo-Galway border. This podcast follows looks at the trials. While the police made a major break through within days of the murder a botched attempt at swift justice would see the story of the trials become nearly as famous the murders themselves. www.facebook.com/irishhistorypodcast www.twitter.com/irishhistory Email: history@Irishhistorypodcast.ie  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Prior to 1882, Maamtrasna a remote townland in the west of Ireland, was known to few outside Co. Galway. That all changed on the night of August 17th 1882 when one of the most brutal murders in 19th century Ireland took place there. Five members of the Joyce family were killed in a horrific and disturbing attack. In a deeply unnerving aspect of a case still shrouded in mystery, the perpetrators were almost certainly known to the victims. This first podcast looks at what exactly happened in Maamtrasna on that fateful summers night in 1882 before looking at some possible motives. Following shows will look at the trials and scandal that followed brutal murders. Follow the show at www.facebook.com/irishhistorypodcast www.twitter.com/irishhistory    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Medieval outlaws have captured the human imagination for centuries. The story of Robin Hood who famously robbed from the rich to give to the poor has proved the most enduring. However most were ruthless individuals, many were willing to rob from the rich but few ever gave their bounty to the poor. This podcast is about a Irish man who was an outlaw in all but name. While Jack would avoid being declared an outlaw his life gives a much better sense of what a medieval outlaw was like rather than the oft recounted tales of Robin Hood. His story is a the real life tale of an Irish man who ran amok across the North of England living well beyond the bounds of what was legal but was protected by friends in very high places! You can get my copies of my book "1348: A Medieval Apocalypse - The Black Death in Ireland" at www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/product/1348/ I will be speaking about The Black Death in Dublin at the Street Stories History Festival in the Cobblestone Pub, Smithfield, Dublin 7 at 12 noon, Saturday October 29th https://www.facebook.com/events/325711434474828/  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

 This podcast was funded by the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund. We don’t remember 1980s fondly in Ireland. Emigration and recession were features of life. The political atmosphere was defined by divisive and bitter debates around abortion in 1983 and divorce in 1986. There was also a third deeply discomforting debate that rocked Irish society. Almost completely forgotten, this debate around child sexual abuse lifted the lid on a topic previously shrouded by shame, taboo and a code of silence. Contrary to what we might expect this did not involve priests, institutions or the Catholic Church. This debate has had an enduring legacy - shaping stereotypes and misinforming how we understand child sexual abuse in the 21 Century. This podcast deals with Child Sexual Abuse. It is not suitable children. If you find this is a topic distressing you may not want skip this show. If you are affected by issues in this podcast these organisations may be of help. Ireland www.oneinfour.ie Britain www.oneinfour.org.uk The podcast is part of a wider investigation funded by the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund where myself and Peter McGuire looked into child sexual abuse in the recent past and the present. You can find more material here.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In November 1867 tension and fear gripped the city of Manchester. A regiment of the British Army was drafted in to support a police force already bolstered by an extra 2,000 recruits. With the most contentious execution in a century due to take place at the New Bailey Prison, it was feared racial tensions in Manchester would erupt into violence. The three condemned men Michael O'Brien, Michael Larkin and William Allen were all Irish. It was widely believed that the British courts had treated them harshly. As the execution day approached rumours spread that an escape orchestrated by the Fenians was on the cards. The city was on a knife edge... This podcast tells the fascinating story of these three men remembered as the Manchester Martyrs. You can see pictures of the individuals involved at www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/manchester  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Fatal Feuds series has tracked the dramatic rise of the de Burgh Lords of the West and Earls of Ulster - the most powerful family in Medieval Irish history. In 1326 the family Patriarch, the Red Earl, died leaving the family facing an uncertain future. The heir, known as the Brown Earl, was only 15 years of age. He now had to unify his vassals and powerful relations many of whom had ambitions of their own in an Ireland beset by war and hardships. As the title suggests things dont go according to plan in what is a dramatic conclusion to the series. You can find a de Burgh family tree and biographies of the major figures at www.irishhistorypodcast.ie/fatal  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

TV series like Downton Abbey offer a sensationalised view of life in Stately Homes but what was it really like? This podcast uses the never before published words of Florence Doreen Wandesforde who wrote a short account of her childhood in Castlecomer House before she died in 1999 at the age 95. This is a fascinating insight to the world of upstairs-downstairs. Doreen and her family had their own butler, cook, servants and even gym instructor. Their house had a heated swimming pool in the early 20th century! She even met King George V and Queen Mary. However she also gives an insight into the simplicity of children's games and the tragedies inflicted on her family during World War I.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The show picks up the story of the de Burgh family in August 1316 as the biggest battle in medieval Irish history approaches. The De Burghs have paid an huge ransom to free their best battle commander William 'Liath' de Burgh. He will lead the Norman forces against the might of the O'Connors and their king Felim. This battle fought beneath the walls of Athenry will decide the fate of a generation. This episode also continues the story of the Bruce Invasion and Dublin's earliest popular revolt. You can find the show on social media @ www.facebook.com/irishhistorypodcast www.twitter.com/irishhistory  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In 1296 King Edward I of England invaded Scotland. During this campaign he removed the Stone of Destiny (a.k.a. The Stone of Scone) bringing it back to England. The removal of the stone which had been used to inaugurate medieval Scottish Kings, symbolised Scotland's domination by her southern neighbour. That was until Christmas 1950 when three students and a teacher attempted to take the stone back north of the border. Hear the full story of a heist that dominated the headlines around the world. Buy the audiobook of 1348: A Medieval Apocalyspe - The Black Death in Ireland using the couponcode 'listener' before August 31st and you will receive 20% off. The book is available now at www.irishhistorypodcast.ie    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The third part of the mini-series Fatal Feuds focuses on the Bruce Invasion of Ireland in 1315. This sees the famous Scottish King Robert the Bruce wage war on his father-in-law the Red Earl of Ulster Richard de Burgh. This podcast on the greatest war in Medieval Irish history is packed full of fascinating characters and stories not to mention the longest siege in Irish history. Dont forget to buy your audio book of 1348: A Medieval Apocalyspe at www.irishhistorypodcast.ie before August 31st using the couponcode listener to get your discount of 20%.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Red Wedding is an infamous chapter in the Game of Thrones series. It saw one family wipe out their rivals in a treacherous and brutal massacre. In this podcast I look at a comparable event from Ireland in the 14th century. In 1305 the Lord of Tethmoy Peter de Bermingham invited several leading members of the O'Connor-Faly family to Carrick castle for a feast. The guests included his godchild. What followed was one of the most notorious incidents in what was already a brutal age. Listen to the show for the full story. You can get in touch at history@Irishhistorypodcast.ie My latest book '1348: A Medieval Apocalypse - The Black Death in Ireland' is available at www.irishhistorypodcast.ie. If you buy the audio book before August 31st you get 20% off by using the couponcode 'listener'.    See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.