Empire 243. The Troubles: London Bombings, Hunger Strikes, & The Graveside Grenade (Ep 3)
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Apr 2, 2025 
In this discussion, Patrick Radden Keefe, acclaimed author of "Say Nothing," unpacks the complexities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He reveals the harrowing events of Bloody Friday, where IRA bombings devastated London. The podcast also delves into the life of Jean McConville, whose tragic abduction and disappearance deeply affected her family and community. Keefe highlights the dramatic hunger strike of the Price sisters, which shifted public perception and political dynamics, paving the way for a fight for political recognition and ultimately, peace.
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Bloody Friday Bombings
- The IRA's Bloody Friday involved near-simultaneous bombings across Belfast in July 1972.
- Inadequate warnings and misplaced bombs led to civilian casualties, raising questions about the IRA's actions.
Escalation of Violence
- The IRA's actions often led to increased crackdowns by the British Army, creating a cycle of violence.
- The army's harsh response, like Operation Motor Man, further fueled support for the IRA despite civilian casualties.
The Unknowns and Wet Work
- The IRA's secretive unit, "the Unknowns," carried out covert operations like forced disappearances and London bombings.
- Both the IRA and the British Army employed "wet work" squads, engaging in targeted killings with limited accountability.
