The Irish History Boys

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of the Irish History Boys offers an in-depth and often critical look at Éamon de Valera, a "titan of Irish political life" and a "very divisive figure" who died 50 years ago on 29th August 1975. Tim and Cormac explore the pros and cons to some of his actions over his long and prolific career, moving beyond simplistic portrayals often seen in popular culture, such as the film Michael Collins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cormac and Tim consider the evils of dancing, yes dancing, as seen by the eyes of the top Catholic churchmen in Ireland a century ago. Drawing from the archives, they discover an editorial reporting on the terrible consequences being threatened on the faithful who allow themselves to be seduced by this new craze including full scale excommunication from the Catholic Church for those who failed to heed the warnings from the pulpit. "Dance halls, filthy newspapers and bad pictures threatened to ruin the Irish people. Things had come to such a pass that it had been said that in a few generations they would be as Pagan as the Ancient Romans,” were the reported words of one incandescent cleric. And fifty years ago the archives were reflecting on the formation of the new political force, the SDLP. Cormac and Tim consider the impact of the party then and now.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim turn their attention to one of Ireland’s greatest political giants, Daniel O’Connell. . The lads explore how he became a towering figure on the world stage through his fight against the Penal Laws, securing Catholic Emancipation, and using the power of mass non-violent protest to challenge the British Empire itself. The Lads also discuss the often-overlooked Council of Ireland, the short-lived body intended to unite north and south. They also turn their attention to another towering figure, Michael Collins, following a distasteful speech by a Northern MP in the same year of his death. leading to a discussion on Collins legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim dive into one of the most divisive moments in Irish history: the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. Would they have signed it given the choice? The lads explore the impossible choices faced by Michael Collins and de Valera, and unpack the deal that split the country and sparked a brutal civil war. Later in the episode, the conversation turns global as they discuss the U.S. decision to drop nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. What were the justifications, the consequences, and really moved on from the threat of nuclear warfare? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim revisit one of the most haunting tragedies of the Troubles, the Miami Showband Massacre.They unpack the horrifying night when band members were ambushed at a fake British Army checkpoint, and gunned down in cold blood. The guys explore how the attack unfolded, who was responsible, and how it highlighted the bleak reality of the Troubles. They also discuss who were the most influential Protestant and nationalist figures over the last century, sparking debate around Ian Paisley's legacy, asking why some are celebrated while others have been forgotten Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim unravel the most daring IRA prison escapes of the Troubles, from the legendary 1983 Maze breakout to the 1975 incident where three priests entered a prison but four walked out. Next, the lads dive into a bizarre 1925 court case where a teacher was nearly sued for punishing a student, a claim the judge swiftly dismissed, sparking a lively conversation about the brutal discipline of old-school Ireland. Cormac and Tim share their own jaw-dropping memories of schooldays that were anything but gentle, and debate whether any of that harsh culture could ever return. Finally, they turn to 1925 once more, where nationalist MPs entered the Northern Ireland Parliament for the first time, only to be met with hostility, resistance, and an outcome that would shape nationalist politics for decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim uncover a lesser-known chapter of Ireland’s partition: the forced displacement and discrimination faced by Protestants and Loyalists in the South. While history often focuses on the oppression of Catholics in the North, this episode asks a provocative question — were Southern Protestants also victims of violence, boycotts, and cultural erasure? Plus they also dig into the cultural shifts that followed independence and how both sides of the island shaped — and silenced — different versions of Irishness.🎟️Live show tickets - https://shorturl.at/AbQKn📧Mailing list - https://shorturl.at/BX6fu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim explore the deep history and controversy behind the 12th of July, Orange Order parades, and the ongoing battle over flags and identity in Northern Ireland. From sectarian tensions to cultural traditions, they unpack how these issues still shape Irish life today. They also answer your questions on two major historical moments: the influence of Charles Stewart Parnell and the significance of the often-overlooked 1780 Rebellion.🎟️Live show tickets - https://shorturl.at/AbQKn📧Mailing list - https://shorturl.at/BX6fu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this revealing episode of The Irish History Boys, Tim and Cormac revisit the ever-controversial Boundary Commission, explore the fall of the Sunday football ban in 1970s Northern Ireland, and uncover the forgotten famine that struck the West of Ireland in 1925.🎟️Live show tickets - https://shorturl.at/AbQKn📧Mailing list - https://shorturl.at/BX6fu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode of The Irish History Boys, Cormac and Tim take a hard look at two of the most defining events in Ireland’s recent past: the wrongful conviction of the Birmingham Six and the deadly injustice of Bloody Sunday. They explore how the British state failed, how public trust was broken, and how the pursuit of truth continues decades later. They also discuss Derry City FC’s ambition to re-join the football League in the 70s, and the long wait that ensues. Plus a huge announcement - The Boys will be taking the podcast outside of the studio for the first ever live event!🎟️Live show tickets - https://shorturl.at/AbQKn📧Mailing list - https://shorturl.at/BX6fu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Cormac and Tim discuss Northern Ireland's failed constitutional convention in 1975, producing an anti-power sharing, unionist majority. They also explore the time football legend George Best was taken to court for breaking a promise to marry (yes, really), and reflect on the highs and headlines of Ireland’s 2016 centenary year.🎟️Live show tickets - https://shorturl.at/AbQKn📧Mailing list - https://shorturl.at/BX6fu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the boys dive into the complex and often painful history of integration in Northern Ireland, exploring the 1925 Education Act and its failed impact. They also discuss the assassination of JFK and how without this pivotal moment in history, Cormac would not be with us today.🎟️Live show tickets - https://shorturl.at/AbQKn📧Mailing list - https://shorturl.at/BX6fu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the boy are exploring Ireland's complex history of neutrality. The WWII decision is tackled in response to a audience question, highlighting its "pro-ally" nature despite limited military capacity and post-war criticism from Churchill. Hear about De Valera's controversial condolences on the death of Hitler and a prophetic 1925 call for Ireland to maintain neutrality against aerial war. This episode also covers the UK's 1975 EEC referendum, Fermanagh's changing politics, and the modern New Ireland debate, questioning neutrality's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Cormac and Tim dive into the turbulent years before Irish independence — asking whether Home Rule could have prevented decades of violence. They explore the origins of the Home Rule movement, the rise of Edward Carson and the Ulster Covenant, and why unionists in Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan ultimately felt abandoned. The episode also touches on the historic Queen of Denmark's 1975 visit to the Soviet Union, the first royal visit since the Romanovs' execution. Listener questions are answered throughout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.