Three Castles Burning

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Before Mosley: The British Fascisti in Dublin Feb 02, 2024

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Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc is no stranger to this podcast. While his latest book explores 'The Disappeared' (launching this month from Merrion Press), he has also been undertaking a study of the far-right in Ireland historically. Moving beyond the familiar, like the Army Comrades Association ('the Blueshirts'), Pádraig's study begins with some more overlooked groups. Even before Oswald Mosley, the British Fascisti were a force with surprising connections to Dublin, and an active branch in the city.

Flying Fists and Union Jacks Jan 14, 2024

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SEASON 3!

A recent television debate on the Irish language in schools reminded me of a curious story from history. The Language Freedom Movement touches on many widely known figures in 1960s Ireland, including John B. Keane and the broadcaster Gay Byrne. In the Mansion House, a meeting descended into chaos.

From Ten Till Dusk: 200 Years of the RHA (with Cristín Leach) Dec 22, 2023

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2023 marks the 200th anniversary of the Royal Hibernian Academy, an institution which has moved across the Liffey owing to the flames of Easter Week, and which has championed the visual arts through an ever-changing Ireland. Cristín Leach is the author of a new creative study of the body, which weaves history and art to tell the story.

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Dec 19, 2023

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Over five generations, one family have played a unique role in the story of the Phoenix Park. More than that, the Flanagan family have a history that stretches back even earlier in the story of this beloved space. Joyce maintained that in the particular is contained the universal - can we tell the story of a place through this one unique tale?

The Lamplighters of the Phoenix Park is available now from all good bookshops.

Asylum: Inside Grangegorman Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Brendan Kelly is the author of a new history of Grangegorman and the asylum located there for generations. This conversation was recorded within the grounds of the site. What was the life of a patient in an asylum really like? Through letters, medical records and doctors' notes, Brendan Kelly gives us a glimpse inside Grangegorman and the lives of those who lived and worked there.

Not a particularly easy listen at times - and please note that some of the language, drawn from primary sources, reflects very different times.

Napoleon's Toothbrush Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Ridley Scott doesn't seem to get on with historians, but here is a nice little story all about Napoleon and his surprising Dublin connections. One of the most revealing and personal insights into Napoleon came from a Dublin doctor who spent time with him on the island of St Helena.

My Name Is Napoleon Bonaparte by Dónal Lunny and Frank Harte was released in 2001.

Bringing Light to O'Connell Street (with Nicola Pierce) Dec 08, 2023

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Nicola Pierce is the author of O'Connell Street: The History and Life of Dublin's O'Connell Street. It is a book as much about people as buildings, which charts the unique story of Ireland's most famous street. Now illuminated in a unique way as part of Dublin Winter Lights, we walked the street together on a busy evening chatting about its statues and landmarks. Thanks to the team at Dublin Winter Lights (www.dublinwinterlights.ie)

'And Beckett plays the gong.' Dec 01, 2023

Show notes

James Morrissey has produced a beautiful and important book exploring the history of Claddagh Records and Garech Browne. 'Real to Reel' explores a record label which championed not only Irish folk and traditional music, but also poetry and the visual arts. Now, the label has returned with great new talents including OXN. Both me and James Morrissey will be appearing at 'Banter' at Other Voices this weekend.

Thanks for your patience. We raised thousands of euro towards a good cause, as mentioned in the introduction here.

Roger Doyle: The Godfather of Irish Electronic Music Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

Roger Doyle has made an incredible contribution to Irish music across decades. In this discussion he talks about everything from his own musical beginnings to Operating Theatre, and from The Diceman (Thom McGinty) to James Joyce. Roger Doyle's music is available from https://rogerdoyle1.bandcamp.com/

This edition of the podcast is dedicated to the memory of my friend Hughie Friel.

(Image Credit: The cover of 'Spring is Coming with a Strawberry in the Mouth' by All City Records, image by Amelia Stein)

The Irish Supernatural (with Kathy Rose O'Brien and Brian J. Showers) Nov 05, 2023

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Irish supernatural writing did not begin or end with the great Bram Stoker. Indeed, even within Stoker's own family there were other great writers. In this very special edition of the podcast, actor Kathy Rose O'Brien brings to life four extraordinary authors, while Brian J. Showers of Swan River Press talks us through this genre. www.swanriverpress.ie

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