The Irish History Boys

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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This week we explore the pivotal year of 1926 for the Gaelic Athletic Association, as delegates from Louth and Tipperary pushed for the removal of the compulsory ban on "foreign games" such as soccer, rugby, cricket, and hockey. We look at the systemic issues regarding the enforcement of these rules, including the 1938 removal of Ireland's first president, Douglas Hyde, as GAA patron and the deployment of vigilante committees to ensure members did not attend rival sporting events. We also discuss why Northern members were the strongest advocates for maintaining these bans, as they felt abandoned by the Free State and faced continued obstruction and British rule within the six counties. Finally, we chat about the controversial "bandit country" label applied to South Armagh in the 1970s, while examining a local citizen’s poignant letter protesting the "blackening" of their peace-loving community’s name. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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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