The BelTel

Michael Briggs has a famous scientist but as it turns out he had faked some of his qualifications. He also faked research that supposedly showed the safety a brand of oral contraceptives. His daughter Joanne has written a book about him - ‘The Scientist Who Wasn't There’ She joined Ciarán Dunbar to tell her incredible story and to try and answer the question, who really was her father?   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marianne Smyth had a long career on both sides of the Atlantic as a swindler and a con-woman. Smyth has now been convicted in Downpatrick of swindling more than £115,000 from four victims, including Derry GAA player Dermot McNicholl. Born in Maine, Smyth claimed she had ordered IRA killings, been the heir of a multi-million dollar fortune, and survived cancer, among many other absurd lies.  Smyth had even had her pet dogs euthanised before she fled Northern Ireland. The Belfast Telegraph’s Kurtis Reid joined Olivia Peden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thirty-one-year-old conservative activist and father-of-two Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a public event on Wednesday. With an intense manhunt underway, US president Donald Trump has blamed the “radical left” for the gruesome killing. How is an already splintered America responding to the murder of Charlie Kirk? And what happens next in a bitterly divided county awash with guns? Host: Kevin Doyle Guests: Terry Sheridan and Gina London    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Riots were a familiar feature of the Troubles, but with political violence now almost a thing of the past, rioting is rare. However, sparked by a decision not to allow the Orange Order to parade on west Belfast’s Springfield Road, the September 2005 riots were complete mayhem. Loyalists rampaged for three nights causing two thousand police and soldiers to be deployed. Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Allison Morris was there, she joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean Hegarty is a brutal double murderer. He is currently in Northern Ireland’s maximum-security prison, Maghaberry. But he is somehow updating a Facebook account from behind bars. Hegarty murdered his ex-girlfriend Caron Smyth and her friend Finbar McGrillen in December 2013. Hegarty had just days before been released on bail for domestic violence charges. An inquest found that the PSNI’s decision to release the prolific abuser was flawed.  How was someone so dangerous let loose on the streets and how can he be on social media?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-five years ago, as a long summer drew to a close, a night out ended in tragedy. It changed the lives of four young men forever, ending another’s far too soon. It happened in the leafy, affluent suburb of Donnybrook in south Dublin. A fight broke out among a group of young men outside Anabel’s nightclub. When it was over, 18-year-old Brian Murphy lay on the ground. Hours later, he was pronounced dead. What followed wasn’t just a murder investigation - it was a case that exposed a deep divide in Irish society, focusing on the Dublin southside rugby schools and Blackrock College in particular. Host; Fionnán Sheahan, Guest; Sarah Cadden   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Irish man Graham Linehan is one of the brains behind one of TV’s finest ever comedies – Father Ted. He is now a self-described ‘gender critical’ activist, causing much controversy and offence to those who believe in trans rights. In the latest twist, he was arrested by five armed police over posts made on X in April of this year. How did Graham Linehan go from comedic genius to such a divisive figure, and where exactly is the line between free speech and hate speech? Ciarán Dunbar joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s deputy features editor, Gillian Halliday, and from our news desk, Brett Campbell.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When an IRA Stormont spy ring was alleged in 2002, devolution quickly plunged into crisis. A PSNI raid on Sinn Féin's Stormont offices discovered a map of castle buildings with instructions on bypassing security, and intelligence on the prison service, including personal details of prison officers. But in 2004, Denis Donaldson – the most senior republican arrested during the raids – admitted he had been a British agent all along. Months later he was murdered in Donegal.  Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor Sam McBride has been back in the archives and has unearthed fresh details on the Stormont spy ring scandal, he joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In March 1994 the IRA attacked Heathrow Airport with mortar bombs, they were high profile and highly symbolic acts.   One of those involved was Glasgow-born IRA man Michael Gallagher.  He was eventually arrested and charged but he managed to convince his English partner Mary Attenborough that he was innocent.  Mary then campaigned for what she thought was justice for Michael.   But when he was convicted and given a twenty-year sentence, he decided he had to tell her the truth.  Amazingly, they are still together – and have written a book about their experiences – it's called ‘Unbroken: Secrets, Lies and Enduring Love’.  Mary Attenborough and Michael Gallagher joined Ciarán Dunbar in the BelTel studio.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Alderdice is a former leader of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland who still sits in the House of Lords. He has a background steeped in Presbyterian in Northern Ireland but resigned from the church in 2018. Having heard about allegations of bullying and harassment within the Presbyterian Church, he commissioned a dossier outlining the experiences of some whose claims included being falsely accused of inappropriate sexual relationships, being subjected to kangaroo court style systems as well as being shunned and gaslighted.  Sunday Life journalist Angela Davison is joined by Lord John Alderdice.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of a man in Newcastle brings the number of people murdered in Northern Ireland in the past nine weeks to nine, with twelve people murdered so far this year. 84-year-old pensioner Sean Small was found dead in his Newcastle home on Sunday night. The week before, a west Belfast father was stabbed to death in his home. Named locally as Shane Lowry, the 32-year-old's brother has been charged with the killing. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Liam Tunney and our Crime Correspondent, Allison Morris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donaldson walked away from the Good Friday Agreement talks but formerly secret files show that he was far from a staunch hardliner, Hours before the deal was signed, the then Lagan Valley MP famously left Castle Buildings in protest at what the UUP was about to sign up to. Jeffrey Donaldson was the political hardliner – at least in public. But newly declassified documents reveal that in private – Donaldson was a very different politician – a moderate, a man with ambitions to lead unionism. Sam McBride joins Ciarán Dunbar with the story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Im convinced Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly aren't working off their on agenda and their own mind" - that’s the verdict of a leading female loyalist. The ‘PUL’ Community – Protestants, Unionists, Loyalists. There is sometimes debate over what those terms actually mean. That debate is suggested as being a factor in a reluctance of loyalist figures to speak to the media – especially loyalist women. What is a loyalist, are members of the PUL community media shy and is it worse for loyalist women?  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Leanne Abernethy is the creator of Herstory: Women in Loyalism and Academic consultant Joanna McMinn who is part of the National Womens Council. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 4th of January 1976, UVF gunmen burst in to a house in Whitecross, in South Armagh. They shot three young brothers, John Martin, Brian, and Anthony Reavey. John Martin and Brian died at the scene – Anthony died almost a month later. Their brother Eugene Reavey has now written a book - ‘The Killings of the Reavey Brothers: British murder and cover-up in Northern Ireland’. Eugene Reavey believes loyalist Willie Frazer played a role in the murders. Eugene Reavey joins Niamh Campbell in the studio to tell the story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The judge hearing Kneecap member Mo Chara’s terror charge case needs more time to think about what he’s going to do next. 27-year-old  Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh from Ballymurphy was charged in May, over the alleged display of a banned Hezbollah flag at a gig in north London.The case has become stuck over a technical argument over the timing of the charge against the rapper.  "Keep talking about Palestine, this is just a distraction", the rapper told supporters outside the court. Belfast Telegraph reporter Niamh Campbell was in London.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The TUV has dramatically emerged as the third most popular party in Northern Ireland in the latest BelTel / LucidTalk polling. Most unionists want electoral pacts, a significant minority even want the existing parties to merge. Most of those polled want a commission to regulate bonfires and flags and less than a third of our readers agree with Belfast City Council’s dual Irish-English language signage policy. Ciarán Dunbar joined by the head of LucidTalk. Bill White, commentator Alex Kane, commentator Ursula Savage, and by Belfast Telegraph reporter Andrew Madden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The IRA's internal security unit, responsible for hunting down informers and executing them, was known as 'The Nutting Squad'. Ruthless, cruel, efficient, but riddled with informers - promoting questions, who were they actually loyal to? Paddy ‘PM’ Monaghan has been reported as a British agent, making him the third senior member to be suspected of being a double agent. Its top tier also included the likes of Freddie Scappaticci and leader, John Joe Magee, who are both now believed to have been spies themselves. How did this group, who had access to some of the IRA's most guarded secrets become riddled with double agents? Presenter Kevin Doyle is joined by Allison Morris, columnist with the Belfast Telegraph, to look at the brutality of the 'Nutting Squad' and whether its senior ranks were loyal to the IRA or to the British.This podcast was first released in September 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Racism, pure and simple’ - that’s the PSNI’s assessment of an anti-migrant group roaming the streets of east Belfast. The self-styled vigilantes were posting their antics to TikTok, which has now banned them. Sometimes accompanied by dogs the group have been demanding to see IDs, have made threats on doorsteps, and have been enquiring about work-statuses. One the main movers in the group is dog ‘hunter’ Neil Pinkerton. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent, Allison Morris.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Armagh republican Colm Murphy was at various points a member of the Provisional IRA, the INLA and the Real IRA. In his later years, he was linked to the Óglaigh na hÉireann dissident group. He had been convicted but later acquitted of involvement in the Omagh bombing. He was later found liable in a civil court for the 1998 attack which killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins. Colm Murphy died at the age of 70 of a degenerative lung disease in April 2023. The Belfast Telegraph’s Security Correspondent Allison Morris profiles him.This episode was originally published on 21 April 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flattery, deceit, a bung, MI5, and the secret back-channel to Sinn Féin- uncovered files have revealed the DUP’s route to power-sharing. Publicly the DUP refused to talk to Sinn Féin, but the truth was that the party was in direct talks with republicans. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride who reveals what he has discovered in the secret files.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In September 1966 the body of a baby girl – Lynda Cochrane – was discovered at Ballykinler Army Base in County Down. It wasn’t until 2006 when former soldier Harry Doyle was arrested after telling an ex-lover that his disability was an act of divine punishment for the killing of a baby. Just months before he was due to stand trial, he died.  Former Detective Superintendent Tim Hanley led the investigation into Northern Ireland’s longest cold case – he joins Ciarán Dunbar.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early hours of 7 August 1986, hundreds of Ulster Loyalists, some in paramilitary uniforms, spilled over the border and into the County Monaghan village of Clontibret. A trail of destruction ensued, and Gardaí were attacked with two officers ending up in hospital. The so-called ‘invasion’ was led by then DUP Deputy leader Peter Robinson. He was later convicted of unlawful assembly and given a fine. Ian Paisley said Robinson alone was responsible for the incident, Robinson blamed Paisley. To revisit the infamous Clontibret Invasion – Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the parish newsletter to the daily death notices, we like to keep tabs on the comings and goings of life around us. And when it comes to celebrities, especially where fame and romance collide, we just can't look away. Take this week, for example, when TV power couple Patrick Kielty and Cat Deeley announced their separation. But just how difficult is it to navigate a relationship under the unforgiving glare of the celebrity spotlight? And why are we, the public, so captivated by the rise and fall of celebrity couples?  Host: Tessa Fleming  Guest: Melanie Finn  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are reports that the London UDA has transitioned into an “old comrades association”. The faction fundraised for loyalist activities in Northern Ireland during the troubles, and at times took part in smuggling weapons for the UDA. Two of the London UDA’s leading members, far-right activists Frank Portinari and Eddie Whicker, were arrested in Birmingham sting operation in May 1993. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dr. Aaron Edwards - an academic, author, and security analyst who broke this story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The so-called ‘White Widow’ is one of the world’s most wanted Islamic terror suspects. Samantha Lewthwaite has been linked to 400 deaths and the 7/7 attacks, and is alleged to remain at large in Somalia. She’s been on the wanted list in multiple countries for 20 years – and she’s from Banbridge. How did she go from County Down schoolgirl to a hunted Al-Qaeda suspect? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter James McNaney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The only suspect in the murder investigation into the fatal shootings of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has died. Ian Rutledge (43) passed away from self-inflicted gun wounds on Monday. Rutledge was married to Vanessa Whyte (43) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13). Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning. James was taken to hospital in Enniskillen but died from his injuries later that day. With the latest, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday Life reporter – Angela Davison.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1960s Ireland, the showband scene was a massive cultural phenomenon. Ballrooms filled up night after night across the country, and at its heart was The Miami Showband, who were so beloved they were dubbed ‘The Irish Beatles’. But on July 31, 1975, everything changed. After a gig in Banbridge, Co Down, five members were stopped at what seemed a routine army checkpoint - some of the soldiers were real members of the British military, but all were members of the UVF. What followed left the showband world shattered and survivors forever scarred by an act of unimaginable violence.  Host: Tessa Fleming Guests: Liam Collins and Des Lee.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk of loyalist paramilitaries disbanding is now generally seen as extremely unlikely. Cynicism abounds as to whether these armed groups will ever ‘transition’ into peaceful organisations – and of course whether they really can abandon rampant and lucrative criminality. But there does seem to have been some movement in a very unlikely place, the South-East Antrim UDA. The Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three members of a family have been murdered in Maguiresbridge. The mother and her two children were shot in their family home – with two of them dying at the scene – another in hospital. Another person – a man – was seriously injured and is currently in hospital in Belfast. The PSNI say a so-called ‘murder-suicide’ is one line of inquiry and that it is “not anticipated at this stage that any further arrests will be made”. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter – Abdullah Sabri. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Jeffrery Dugdeon was the public face of the gay rights movement in Northern Ireland. He was a prominent figure in the campaign again laws targeting homosexuals – a campaign which endured a vicious backlash in the shape of Ian Paisley’s ‘Save Ulster from sodomy’ group. His victory in the campaign for decriminalisation has now been beautifully told in a short film from the BBC called ‘Outlasting’. The piece was directed by Lewis Doherty. Mr Lewis and Mr Dudgeon joined Ciarán Dunbar on the BelTel.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Presbyterian minister in South Belfast revealed how he suffered a mental breakdown after his congregation spied on him for months making detailed ‘Spy Charts’ on his every movement. The covert surveillance all stemming from whether or not he was living in the church manse. After the church’s own investigation found no charges against the minister he was then removed from the church as ' his position was untenable because of the breakdown in relationships'. It's the latest in a series of controversies involving the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, covered by the Sunday Life and Belfast Telegraph. Guest Angela Davison joins Ciaran Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsonists have destroyed 17 mobile phone masts in the greater Belfast area in the last two years. Most incidents happened in the west of the city, with west Belfast Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey saying the attacks are “fuelled by inaccuracies and misconceptions”. At the end of last month, attacks appeared to spread beyond west Belfast as another mast was set alight on the Doagh Road in Newtownabbey. Why are the masts being attacked and who is behind them? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph Visuals Editor Kevin Scott.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DJ Carey, once hailed as hurling royalty, now stands at the centre of a deception scandal that shook Ireland and reached as far as Texas. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of deception after an alleged cancer diagnosis helped him extract over €400,000 by duping generous friends and even tapping into wealthy circles in Texas during trips to Dallas – all the time he was chasing aid he didn’t need. Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Amy Molloy and Colm Keys.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The green is ready, fans are arriving, and the good and great of golf have flocked to Portrush for the open. All eyes are on Rory McIlroy after he achieved golfing immortality in the form of the career grand slam in April. As over 250,000 international fans pour into Portrush, locals have slammed food and accommodation price hikes, including one local spot charging almost £27 for fish and chips. Olivia Peden is joined from Royal Portrush by Belfast Telegraph’s chief sportswriter Steven Beacom and Sport Journalist Adam McKendry to look ahead to what the open holds.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William McKee is a former governor of the Maze Prison. He was the senior Governor in charge of the Prison on the 27th December 1997 – the day that LVF Godfather Billy Wright was murdered inside the prison wall. McKee has faced multiple murder attempts and had to relocate houses several times due to his career. His new book 'Collusion: Inside the Maze' is describde as a fictional exploration of the events surrounding Wright's murder.He joined Ciarán Dunbar to talk about what working on the day of Wright’s murder was like, his relationships with paramilitary prisoners, and the multiple attempts on his life as a result on his career.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Twelfth of July is a day of joy, pride, and nostalgia for Unionists and Loyalists in Northern Ireland. The night before, bonfires will be lit across the country - a tradition that began when fires on hillsides were used to signal William of Orange’s march from Carrickfergus to the Battle of the Boyne. But a night of tradition and celebration for some is viewed by others as physically dangerous, and in some cases, undeniably sectarian.  Are bonfires a sectarian safety risk, or just a harmless tradition? Olivia Peden is joined by Sam McBride, Loyalist activist Moore Holmes, and the chairman of the Schomberg Ulster Scots society in Kilkeel, Gareth Crozier.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 We’re now in the melting pot of the GAA season, and two Ulster counties remain in the All-Ireland semifinals. Tyrone, who have a shot at a treble success after after their minor and under 20’s teams have won All-Ireland finals this weekend, are due to face Kerry this weekend.   Niamh Campbell is joined by Tyrone legend and three-time All-Ireland winner Stephen O’Neill, and Belfast Telegraph GAA columnist Lee Costello.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior loyalists and Key members of the Northern Ireland office have dismissed allegations that The UVF are on the verge of disbanding. One reported condition for the group’s disbandment was the formation of a 240-strong armed 'close protection team' to provide security for its ageing leadership - that suggestion has been branded 'farcical'. How close really are the UVF to disbanding, why are figures like Lord Alderdice saying its time to stop transition talks, and what would a transition look like? Belfast Telegraph’s Allison Morris joins Olivia Peden to answer some of the big questions.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay and former Sinn Féin election candidate and party worker Thomas O’Hara have been acquitted of charges concerning misconduct in public office.All three had repeatedly denied the charges. Judge Gordon Kerr KC said he believed that Mr Bryson, who has ambitions of pursuing a career as a barrister, had lied under oath in the trial – allegations he strongly denies. McKay said that the verdict wasn't the "last chapter" of the Nama story.How did the trial unfold and what’s next for Bryson, McKay and the Nama story? Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph's Liam Tunney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange actions concerning Ian Paisley Jr's constituency office in Ballymena, including thousands in unpaid bills that led to red letters and threats of court appearances. Who is the mystery owner of the now vacant office, and why were three mortgages taken out on the property? In part two of this special investigation, Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Ian Paisley Jr lost his parliamentary seat last July, it was the end of an era. Once Westminster’s most expensive MP, Paisley Jr had built a political career on the legacy of his famous father – but it wasn’t without scandal. A Belfast Telegraph investigation has uncovered some strange financial dealings around his constituency office, which is now owned by the unnamed representative of a dead man. Authorities also had to repeatedly threaten court action to secure payment of the rates bill for his office in Ballymena. In part 1 of a special investigation, Sam McBride joins Olivia Peden.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conor McGregor’s appeal against a ruling in a civil rape case has began. In November 2024, Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her, won her claim against him for damages, with McGregor ordered to pay her more than €248,000 (£206,000). Lawyers for McGregor have dramatically withdrawn a bid to introduce new evidence in his civil rape appeal. The MMA fighter had asked the Court of Appeal to allow in new claims that Nikita Hand was punched and kicked by her then partner just hours after she says she was raped by McGregor in 2018. However, the allegations, made by former neighbours of Ms Hand, were withdrawn as a ground of appeal this morning.Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, to unpack a busy opening day in Conor McGregor's civil rape appeal.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Boundary Commission was set up in 1924 following partition. Nationalists had hoped that the Commission would transfer hundreds of thousands to the Irish Free state, even make Northern Ireland unviable. But in the end, nothing was handed over. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Cormac Moore, author of ‘The Root of All Evil: The Irish Boundary Commission’.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah Donohoe’s body was found in a north Belfast storm drain on the 27th June 2020. The teenager had left his home in the south of the city to meet up with friends six days earlier. As an inquest, which has faced delays, nears, questions about the tragic and highly unusual death remain. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Andrew Madden to detail the story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Excitement is mounting across the island as the race to the 2025 All-Ireland final begins. Tyrone will face Dublin and reigning champions Armagh are due to face Kerry in Croke Park this weekend. Will Armagh have what it takes to bring it home for a second year in a row, and could Tyrone’s bad luck finally turn into success? Niamh Campbell is joined by former All-Ireland winner and Armagh All-Star Diarmaid Marsden, and Belfast Telegraph GAA columnist, Lee Costello.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael D. Higgins has been President of Ireland since November 2011, his presidency must end in November this year – that means an election. But unlike many other countries, not every Irish citizen has a vote. Only those living in the ‘State’ - the Republic of Ireland, can vote. Now a bill is before the Dáil, which if passed would allow northerners to vote in the presidential election, subject to a referendum, How likely is this change? How would it affect the vote? And what would Unionists make of it? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and Sam McBride.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite all of the claims he made that he was not be a president of war, Donald Trump has now rolled the dice, striking Iran’s nuclear sites. Above all, it is a massive show of support for Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu. Whilst it might have caused massive damage to Iran's nuclear program, it’s a move that could ignite a regional firestorm, set a worrying precedent in how countries engage in conflict and send oil prices through the roof. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent with The Economist joins Tabitha Monahan to discuss what might come next after a troubling 2 days for international relations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year sees the 50th anniversary of one of the bloodiest feuds between the Provisional and Official IRA. Described as the worst inter-republican fighting since the Irish Civil War, October and November 1975 saw the Provisional and Official IRA battle it out in Belfast.  It left 11 dead, including a 6-year-old Eileen Kelly, and around 50 wounded, and also left deep scars in Belfast’s nationalist communities.  Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leeds United and Northern Ireland legend Stuart Dallas joins Keith Bailie and Steven Beacom to reflect on his incredible playing career that took him from Hagan Park in Coagh to Elland Road and the Premier League.The Cookstown man recalls life in the Irish League, working under Argentine manager Marcelo Biesla, the heartbreaking injury that ended his career and why Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was wrong to call his challenge ‘utter madness’.Dallas also reflects on the ninth anniversary of Northern Ireland’s adventure in French. The King of Lyon will be joined on stage at the Ulster Hall next year by teammates Steven Davis, Josh Magennis and Niall McGinn for special commemorative event, ‘Euro 2016: Ten Years On’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Tattle Life’ is a website where gossip runs wild, reputations are trashed and anonymity is king, where influencers and content creators often found themselves at the centre of abuse and lies. NI based couple Neil and Donna Sands took the prolific gossip site on in court – and won. The legal victory, which netted the couple a £300,000 payout, marks the first time the site’s founder has been unmasked. The Irish Independent’s Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Neil Sands to discuss how he tracked down and unmasked Tattle Life’s owner.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.