Assume Nothing

Writer Glenn Patterson finds out how, in May 1974, a tiny band of loyalists and unionists over fourteen days stages a strike that paralyses Northern Ireland, and slides it into anarchy. Then twelve years old, Glenn lived through these events, taking place in the context of a 'Troubles' during which 1000 have already died. 50 years on, he digs into what really happened, because these events cast a long shadow. The Ulster Workers' Council stoppage culminated in the overthrow of Northern Ireland's democratically elected devolved government - then just five months old, and the first power-sharing administration ever in the country's history. Its formation, which involved controversial formal links to the Irish government, sparks the stoppage. Decades pass before the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brings another such attempt at power sharing. Now, exploring the legacy of the strike, he tries to uncover what it might mean for us today. CREDITS Access to material relating to the Don Anderson interviews was kindly provided by Don Anderson and the Linen Hall Library, Belfast. Series contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Photo: Belfast Telegraph. Writer/ Presenter: Glenn Patterson. Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineers: Gary Bawden, Michael Davidson, Bill Maul. Series Actors: Ian Beattie, Richard Clements, Jo Dow, Patrick FitzSymons, Jonathan Harden, Paddy Jenkins, Rhodri Lewis, Patrick McBrearty, Aoibhéann McCann, Charlotte McCurry, Marty Maguire, Seamus O'Hara. Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Writer Glenn Patterson finds out how, in May 1974, a tiny band of loyalists and unionists over fourteen days stages a strike that paralyses Northern Ireland, and slides it into anarchy. Then twelve years old, Glenn lived through these events, taking place in the context of a 'Troubles' during which 1000 have already died. 50 years on, he digs into what really happened, because these events cast a long shadow. The Ulster Workers' Council stoppage culminated in the overthrow of Northern Ireland's democratically elected devolved government - then just five months old, and the first power-sharing administration ever in the country's history. Its formation, which involved controversial formal links to the Irish government, sparks the stoppage. Decades pass before the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement of 1998 brings another such attempt at power sharing. Now, exploring the legacy of the strike, he tries to uncover what it might mean for us today. CREDITS Access to material relating to the Don Anderson interviews was kindly provided by Don Anderson and the Linen Hall Library, Belfast. Series contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Photo: Belfast Telegraph. Writer/ Presenter: Glenn Patterson. Producer: Ophelia Byrne Studio Engineers: Gary Bawden, Michael Davidson, Bill Maul. Series Actors: Ian Beattie, Richard Clements, Jo Dow, Patrick FitzSymons, Jonathan Harden, Paddy Jenkins, Rhodri Lewis, Patrick McBrearty, Aoibhéann McCann, Charlotte McCurry, Marty Maguire, Seamus O'Hara. Executive Editor: Andy Martin

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe.

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.Presenter Amybeth McNulty Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC NI production

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.

Presented by actor Amybeth McNulty (Anne with an E, Stranger Things) this eight-part series investigates why women continue to be murdered and what could be done to prevent it. Professor Jane Monckton Smith guides us through the ‘homicide timeline’; the pattern of behaviour she has identified in domestic homicides that, if spotted early enough, could help vulnerable and at-risk women keep themselves safe. From the multi award-winning team behind Assume Nothing: Rape Trial, the series examines eight real-life cases of murder, and asks whether recognising a pattern of behaviour could save lives.

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The award-winning drama returns for a new series. Starring Jonathan Harden. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 1: Leaks and LiesA tip-off from a source leads to the seizure of two bombs, but a leak to a newspaper soon puts his life in danger. As James battles internal politics within Special Branch, a new line of intelligence gathering provides an opportunity to trick a suspect into crossing the border.Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Charlie – Desmond Eastwood Lester – Faolan Morgan MI5 officer / Assistant Chief Constable – Patrick Fitzsymons Jimmy / Army Technical Officer – John D Ruddy Roberta / Mrs Mullan / – Maggie Cronin.A BBC Northern Ireland Production

A dramatised memoir of a Special Branch officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The award-winning drama returns for a new series. Starring Jonathan Harden. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 3: A Game of RiskWhen a wounded man is brought into police custody, James sees a chance to gain a new source – but first he must take his life in his hands to win the man’s trust. Meanwhile, another source overhears plans for an imminent attack on the army – and a clandestine meeting between James and Garda Special Branch could have deadly consequencesCast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Vincent – Caolan Byrne Paul – Paul Mallon Garda Special Branch / Patrick - Faolan MorganA BBC Northern Ireland Production

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The award-winning drama returns for a new series. Starring Jonathan Harden. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 2: Of Bombs & Bank Robberies A source finds himself under intense scrutiny when he is detailed to collect a package from a ship docked at Drogheda harbour. Another informer tips James off about a plan to detonate a large car bomb in Newry, but soon finds himself involved in a bank robbery that goes badly wrong.Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer – Michael Patrick Martin / Paul - Desmond Eastwood Frank - Patrick Fitzsymons Larry - Paul Mallon Piet / Deccy John D Ruddy Davy / Johnny Marty MaguireA BBC Northern Ireland Production

A dramatized memoir of a Special Branch Officer operating at the outset of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The award-winning drama returns for a new series. Starring Jonathan Harden. James (not his real name) runs a network of informers and sources operating along the border area of South Down and South Armagh during the worst years of violence. For both Handler and Source, it’s a matter of life and death. Some names, dates and details have been changed to protect the living.Episode 4: To Catch a GhostWhen a source provides intelligence about a mysterious new explosives expert, James is soon under pressure from London to find him fast. Meanwhile, another informer finds himself in grave danger when he is detailed to deliver a bomb and James decides on an unconventional plan – however, things go badly wrong.Cast:James – Jonathan Harden Interviewer - Michael Patrick Charlie - Desmond Eastwood Sean - Patrick Fitzsymons Garda SB - Faolan MorganA BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. “I Robert James Crawford do avow that Thomas Johnson was slain by me in a fair fight” So begins a mysterious murder confession, apparently written in 1860 – just after the worst years of the Irish Famine. The writer claims to have murdered his friend during a quarrel and then buried the body under the hearthstone of his father’s kitchen in Drumkeen, County Monaghan – but is the confession real? “He drew his knife and I drew mine he would have fled but I followed him into the hall and killed him there” As Brian sets out to try and find the alleged burial site he also digs through the history books to find out more about the murderer and his victim – and he finds his imagination drifting. Who were these men and what could have happened to lead to such a brutal murder?Cast:Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D RuddyWritten and presented by Brian Kernohan Produced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland.Using a map drawn from memory, Brian and his mum set out to find the house she visited as a child – known as Drumkeen big house. But first they need to ask a local farmer for permission to search his land. Meanwhile, Brian uncovers stories of brutal acts of violence in the years following the famine when Ireland was described as ‘one of the most dangerous places on earth’ - and he begins to imagine what might happened on the night of the alleged murder.Cast:Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan John Trussan – John D RuddyWritten and presented by Brian Kernohan Produced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. Before making a decision on whether to ask the farmer for permission to dig, Brian tries to find out more about the family who lived in the house at the time of the murder and re-examines the contents of the confession letter for any further clues. He also seeks expert advice from a renowned geologist who has been involved in a number of searches for historical remains – described as the ‘Indiana Jones’ of his profession.Cast:Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D RuddyWritten and presented by Brian KernohanProduced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. The specialist team clear the site of undergrowth and beginning scanning with radar to try and find any evidence below ground – but the ground itself proves problematic. Meanwhile Brian meets the landowner’s sister who has found old family records that shed light on the life of the alleged killer – and Brian tries to work out how fake letters were sent from America to the family of the victim after his death.Cast: Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D Ruddy Mrs Johnston - Maggie CroninWritten and presented by Brian KernohanProduced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. Brian and his team of experts decide to bring a digger on site, but there is still confusion about where the ‘Big house’ actually stood. However, as they dig deeper they uncover something strange. During a visit to the Seminary where the alleged murderer and victim went to argicultural college together, Brian finds himself wondering about their relationship and the secret ‘matter relating to ourselves two’ that the murderer wrote about in his confession.Cast:Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D RuddyWritten and presented by Brian KernohanProduced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Brian Kernohan decides to find out if a letter, held by his family for generations, really does reveal the location of a murder victim’s remains in rural Ireland. Having found an old floor that appears burnt and sounds hollow when tapped, the team watch on anxiously as the digger rolls into place and prepares to break through. Meanwhile Brian examines an old newspaper notice apparently written by the murderer. It appears some farm land he is renting is up for sale. In the newspaper notice, he warns any potential buyers that they must lease it to him or he will take action. Was the murderous quarrel with his victim about land?Cast:Robert James Crawford – Faolan Morgan Thomas Johnston – John D RuddyWritten and presented by Brian KernohanProduced by Brian Kernohan and Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

What if someone confessed to a murder and told you where the body was buried?

What if someone confessed to a murder and told you where the body was buried?

Days after their dream wedding, John and Michaela McAreavey arrive on the beautiful island of Mauritius, unaware of the horror that awaits them. As John sits by the poolside waiting for Michaela to return, he begins to realise something is wrong. Investigative journalists Darragh MacIntyre and Allison Morris travel to the island to explore the case. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Does the headline grabbing barrister labelled ‘flamboyant’ by some of the press really live up to his reputation? We delve into the story of Ravi Rutnah and his influence on one of the biggest trials in Mauritian legal history. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Serious allegations of failures within the investigation are made and the police come under intense scrutiny. Did the officers looking into Michaela’s murder miss vital evidence and let an apparent confession derail them from looking for other suspects? Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Shortly after the murder, police arrest multiple suspects who worked in the hotel. A confession is made in the presence of law enforcement and a lawyer, but events soon lead the investigation into turmoil. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The investigation is rocked by a claim that could alter the entire outcome of the case. ‘They tortured me, they beat me, they held my head under water.’ Exactly what happened behind closed doors when suspects were being questioned? Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Over a year since Michaela’s murder, the trial finally begins and the family travel back to the island. In dramatic fashion, a key member of the legal team exits the case never to return. Allison and Darragh finally track down one the accused. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The jury return and the verdict is in - but the outcome shocks the courtroom. Unnerving questions are asked about the very core of the legal process. Did certain tactics by legal teams negatively impact the outcome of the trial? Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Someone at the heart of the case is found dead and future prosecutions are called into doubt. A new name takes centre stage. Who had access to the master keycards and what was their role in Michaela’s death? There are serious claims of attempted bribery. Presented by Allison Morris & Darragh MacIntyre Produced by Vinny Hurrell & Raphaelle O'Loan Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland ProductionIf you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now?Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now?Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now?Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now?Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

In the summer of 1969, weeks before the Troubles would ignite, children playing in the rubble of a demolition site struck gold! While searching for treasure hundreds, maybe thousands of gold sovereigns, hidden and forgotten years before, tumbled to the ground from a chimney stack. More than 50 years later, author Glenn Patterson visits the Lower Shankill Road to find out who the coins belonged to. Why were they hidden? And where are they now?Written and presented by Glenn Patterson Sound by Bill Maul Producer Sarah McGlinchey Executive Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production for Radio 4

Questions are raised about the circumstances surrounding how some potential witnesses were interviewed. Who else was present and why? A family friend brings a shocking claim, and we hear from former solicitor Ernie Waterworth. The investigation takes sharp change in direction. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Heavy winds and rain batter the seaside town of Portrush in January 2009. A fourteen-year-old boy’s night out has gone badly wrong. He lies on the railway tracks in front of an oncoming train. Less than two miles away, his father becomes aware his son is in danger and starts running to the tracks on the other side of town. It soon becomes clear, what happened that night and afterwards – is not as it first appears. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

A new twist brings a devastating blow for Ryan Quinn’s family. Was someone burning clothes on the street late at night? We hear of the ongoing impact of Ryan’s death on his family and friends, and we travel to Portrush to the scene of his death where we make a surprise discovery. Where is the investigation now? Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

At Ryan’s funeral it is announced the police have opened a murder investigation into his death. The PSNI share information on some key aspects of the case – but will the police change their tactics? We discover the driver of the train has an unsettling flashback that has a bearing on the case. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

We know how Ryan died and that he allegedly ran from a nearby bar and got trapped on the tracks. But why? Serious allegations emerge about what happened before Ryan found himself in the path of an oncoming train. What will a witness from inside the bar reveal? And after a year of communication, will the PSNI finally agree to speak? Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

We retrace Ryan Quinn’s movements that day. Exactly where had he been and what brought him to the tracks? A breath-taking phone call strikes fear into the heart of a concerned father. Produced and presented by Vinny Hurrell. Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production.

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems.As the maid starts her new life at Brides, she finds the work physically demanding but spiritually rewarding. However, when a much-loved house keeper leaves the community, the maid soon becomes unhappy and decides to leave – but events take a dark turn.After a court case and a dispute over ownership of the house, the Silver Sisterhood leave Burtonport – where do they go, and what happens to the mysterious headmistress?Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems.A BBC crew attends the opening ceremony for the school, hosted by an enigmatic headmistress who appears to change her name regularly – but what is the real purpose of St Brides?A newspaper journalist visits the house and recalls a strange evening full of unexpected surprises, what can she reveal?Meanwhile, Conor tracks down a former resident of the house who helps him piece together more parts of puzzle – but is she prepared to tell her own story?Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems.Conor travels to Burtonport to find out what locals remember about the Silver Sisterhood. He hears strange tales of women running through the street at midnight wearing clogs, reports of a ‘padded room’ - and the retired postmaster recalls a dispute involving another group who lived in the house before the Silver Sisterhood arrived - a cult known as ‘The Screamers’.A local woman reveals why she had a unique reason to visit the house, an experience she has never forgotten – and Conor decides to make contact with the enigmatic former headmistress of St Brides, but she is known for being elusive. Will she respond?Produced and presented by Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems.The mistresses and ‘girls’ appear to believe that they live not only in a different century, but in an entirely different world.They are The Silver Sisterhood, a deeply religious group of women who worship a feminine God. They wear Victorian clothing, reject modernity and live by candlelight – but mysteriously they also begin to release a series of strange computer games apparently based on their unique school and unusual beliefs. Their strange way of life soon gives rise to rumour and speculation, but is any of it true - or is their alternative lifestyle simply fuelling suspicion?Who are these women, what are they doing in Burtonport - and what is really going behind the doors of St Brides?Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems.The headmistress discusses the philosophy behind the Silver Sisterhood’s computer games and explores their complicated relationship with physical discipline – which they feel was misunderstood by the outside world.A young student finds a strange book in her local bookshop and decides to visit the Silver Sisters in Donegal.Produced and presented by Conor McKayExecutive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Ireland, 1984. St Brides School for young ladies opens its doors in the quiet fishing village of Burtonport, county Donegal - but all is not as it seems.Patrick in Burtonport recalls visiting the house to photograph images of the Silver Sisterhood’s new computer game, The Secret of St Brides - but he is surprised by what he finds inside.Conor finally makes contact with the mysterious headmistress of St Brides School and she agrees to talk about her time in Burtonport – what can she reveal about the Silver Sisters time in the house?Produced and presented by Conor McKay Executive Editor: Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

Irish journalist Martin Barry was only 30 years old when he died at the Dignitas Clinic in Zurich, accompanied by his ex girlfriend Laura McDaid.The night before he died, he asked Laura to fulfil his last request: to track down his birth mother and pass on a message.Martin had been born in a mother and baby home in Co. Cork in Ireland. He'd never met his birth mother.Twenty years later, along with her producer Kerry Jamison, Laura embarks on a search that will take her from the top of this island to the bottom and across the Irish sea, to fulfil the promise she made to Martin.

BBC reporter Laura McDaid held Martin Barry's hand as he died at the Dignitas Clinic. 17 years later, she begins a search to fulfil his last request: to find his birth mother and pass on a message.To move forward with the search, Laura first needs to explain why it's taken her 17 years to have the strength to search for Martin's mother.She takes Kerry back to the aftermath of Martin's death, and how it was handled by the press at the time.Will the records provide her with any further information?

Laura McDaid held her ex's hand as he died at the Dignitas Clinic. Seventeen years later, she begins a search to fulfil his last request: to find his birth mother and pass on a message.As the search intensifies, Laura speaks to a Bessborough survivor who tells her that she suspects records were deliberately falsified at the institution.As Laura makes contact with a woman she think's could be Martin's mother, a chance phone call could change everything.