Assume Nothing

A fierce warrior turned master strategist, he led elite SAS troops on missions that shifted the tide of World War II. Decorated four times yet denied the Victoria Cross. Was it down to a typo or a face that didn’t fit? Today, his legend burns brighter than ever, fuelling a renewed campaign to honour him with the Victoria Cross.

Blair Mayne instils a maverick form of discipline, mourns a brother-in-arms, and forms the tip of the spear to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

In the shadows of the Middle East, Blair is pulled into a secret war fought far from the headlines. Recruited by a newly formed unit known only to a few - the SAS - Blair wages chaos and destruction behind enemy lines, where no rules apply.

Blair Mayne floored his own boxing coach at Queen’s University in Belfast, shot a springbok on the 1938 British & Irish Lions tour, and later stood sharp as a solicitor. The life of this Newtownards war hero was built for the big screen, but did they get it right? Soft-spoken leader of men, or natural born hell raiser? We find out about the Real Blair 'Paddy' Mayne.

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 8 – Who Watches the WatchmenAs the dust settles on a historic judgement by the Investigatory Powers Tribunal – Barry and Trevor say their fight is not yet over, demanding a full public inquiry to reveal the full extent of surveillance. Can a wide-ranging review of surveillance powers commissioned by the Chief Constable of the PSNI provide answers - and can a balance between national security legislation and the need for transparency ever truly be achieved?A BBC Northern Ireland Production

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 7 – Full DisclosureBarry and Trevor prepare for a rare public hearing of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal – but last minute disclosures from police forces across the U.K bring repeated adjournments – and raise serious questions about how wide the net of surveillance against journalists has been cast.A BBC Northern Ireland production

Barry McCaffrey, a journalist once under surveillance, delves into serious issues surrounding unlawful police actions and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. He shares the emotional toll on journalists fighting for media freedom after a pivotal court ruling. Discussions reveal the staggering challenges of proving unlawful surveillance claims and the corruption present in police practices. McCaffrey highlights a shocking revelation that could change the landscape for journalists in the UK, emphasizing the tension between law enforcement and media accountability.

Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney challenge the legality of police warrants in a pivotal case for journalistic rights. The complexities of judicial reviews and sensitive material come to light, raising questions about document theft allegations. Ethical dilemmas arise as journalists grapple with protecting sources against police investigations. The podcast highlights tensions between press freedom and law enforcement integrity, culminating in a crucial judicial decision that could reshape the landscape of journalism and legal authority.

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland.Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 4 – Operation YurtaOn the day of the film’s Belfast premiere, police announce a new investigation – into the suspected theft of sensitive documents from the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland.Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney are arrested nine months later and their homes and offices are searched. While they are questioned about four offences - theft, handling stolen goods, unlawfully disclosing personal data and offences under the Official Secrets Act - their legal teams must make an urgent decision.Readings byIan Davidson Steven Calvert Aoibheann McCann Antoinette MorelliA BBC Northern Ireland production

The story of two journalists who investigated an unsolved mass murder in Northern Ireland. Six men were shot dead by Loyalist paramilitaries in the Height’s Bar, Loughinisland on the 18th June 1994. No-one has ever been charged or convicted. Episode 3 – No Stone UnturnedWhile a second Ombudsman investigation gets underway, journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney start work on a new documentary about the Loughinisland massacre.When the Ombudsman’s report finds elements of the police prevented a proper investigation to protect informants, Barry uses the leaked documents to unlock the identities of chief suspects – but should they name them in the film?Readings by: Steven Calvert Aoibheann McCann Antoinette Morelli Brian KernohanA BBC Northern Ireland production