Thomas Leahy

Dr. Thomas Leahy, a Lecturer in British and Irish Politics at Cardiff University, dives deep into the historical roots of The Troubles in Northern Ireland. He uncovers over 750 years of British-Irish conflict, highlighting pivotal moments like the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. The discussion examines the fraught legacy of Cromwell's conquest, the social upheaval during the Great Famine, and the political chaos leading to World War I. Leahy sheds light on how these echoes of history fueled a violent struggle for identity and governance.

Dr. Thomas Leahy, a Cardiff University lecturer and expert in Irish politics, dives deep into the tumultuous history of Northern Ireland. He unpacks the origins of the Troubles, detailing the Irish War of Independence and the dramatic rise of the IRA. Listeners learn about the complex political landscape post-WWII, the bitter sectarian tensions, and British military engagement during the late 1960s. Leahy also contrasts the militant strategies of Sinn Féin with the SDLP's peaceful approach, culminating in the pathway to the Good Friday Agreement.