The Irish Passport

Ireland went to the polls last week for the 2024 general election, and the results are beginning to build a picture of what the next government could look like. We break down what the vote means in this moment of international instability, and how the results compare to the previous election of 2020. Many thanks to everyone who sent in questions for this episode. You can find over 100 extra-content episodes, and support the continued making of the podcast, over on our Patreon page, at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport. A quick reminder that you can now gift Patreon subscriptions - a handy option for holiday presents this year!

By the early 17th century England had finally gained political control over the island of Ireland, but within a few years the whole colonial project had once again collapsed into chaos and bloodshed. In this new edition of our Conquest mini-series, we examine the events leading up to the bloody rebellion of 1641, and explain how Ireland's colonial dynamics became central to the civil was that was breaking out in England. Warning, some of the primary sources quoted in this episode are extremely violent; listener discretion is advised. We dig more into this topic in a bonus Halfpint debrief episode, now available for supporters at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport

The attention of people around the world has been captured by the presence of Irish soldiers standing in the way of the Israel Defence Forces as they launch an invasion of Lebanon in a bid to defeat militant group Hezbollah. In an area where Irish troops have been stationed so long that some locals have picked up Irish accents, personal ties go deep. The chief of staff of Ireland's defence forces has said Irish troops will "stay strong" in the face of Israeli orders to leave their positions following a spate of attacks on UN outposts. How did the peace force come to be there, and what comes next? Naomi and Tim speak to reporters on the ground and sum up how the conflict reached its present point, and Ireland's unique role in the region. We hear from Sally Hayden about her reporting on the ongoing bombing of Beirut, while Hannah McCarthy explains what the Irish peacekeepers have been facing, and what may lie behind Israel's tactics. For bonus episodes and to support the podcast, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport

On Ireland's west coast, far from the noise and fury of US partisan politics, presidential contender Donald Trump has been bested by a fearsome foe: a tiny snail no larger than a pin prick. Naomi and Tim dig into the curious links between the Republican candidate and this windswept corner of Ireland, most notably the village of Doonbeg, where the development of a Trump golf course transformed local fortunes. We speak to journalist Kate Demolder about her experience reporting in the town and the local tensions she discovered between economic dependence on Trump, and deep reservations about his politics. Finally, Naomi and Tim consider what's at stake for Ireland in the coming US election and whether the relationship between Trump and Doonbeg is a microcosm of Ireland's policy towards the US. Naomi recalls her experience reporting on Trump in Scotland in 2016 and the red flags that were evident then in our bonus debrief episode over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/112180566/

Naomi O’Leary, a passionate advocate for Gaelic games and sports journalist, dives into the allure of Gaelic football among international players. She discusses its unique appeal in France, where local teams are drawing in curious newcomers. The conversation touches on the deeply rooted connections between Gaelic games and Irish identity, illuminating how these amateur sports foster community bonds. O’Leary also highlights the historical significance of the Gaelic Athletic Association and its evolution amidst Ireland's cultural landscape.

In the fourth episode of our Conquest miniseries, we take on of the most defining moments in the history of Ireland: the mass-plantation of Ulster. We'll see how the arrival of thousands of colonial settlers in this erstwhile Gaelic stronghold transformed the geopolitical dynamics of Ireland, Scotland, and England alike. We'll look at how the Ulster project and the settlement of Virginia took inspiration from one another; we'll explain why the redistribution of land in Ireland became so important to the emerging concept of "Britain", and we'll find out why local Gaelic populations were never fully "replaced". The texts from the Ulster Plantation Papers can be found here. Patreon supporters enjoy early access to this episode and also have access to an exclusive after-show debrief where we delve into our topic in more detail. If you would like to support the continued making of the podcast and gain access to over 100 exclusive "halfpint" episodes along the way, you can sign up to be a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport

Delving into the aftermath of the EU elections in Ireland, the podcast examines Sinn Féin's underperformance, the democratic voting system in Ireland, and the impact of departing MEPs. It also explores the narrative of punitive eco-politics in Italy and analyzes the re-election results and fate of left-wing independents. The discussion extends to the impact of the EU elections on Irish politics, highlighting the rise of the far right and the preferences for practical politicians.

In February 2024, Michelle O'Neill assumed the position of first minister of Northern Ireland, making her the first person of an Irish-identifying, Catholic background to hold this most high-profile post in the devolved government. And yet, the difficulty O'Neill faced when trying to take her seat at Stormont highlighted the fact that, for a minority in the territory, Catholic nationalist are not seen as having a legitimate role in Northern Ireland's society. In this episode we look at the phenomenon of "uppity" Catholics - people who have been perceived to rise too far above their station, and who have thereby become targets for abuse and even violence. We speak to Pr Colin Harvey from the Human Rights Centre at Queens University Belfast about becoming a political target in the wake of Brexit, and we hear from Irish Times journalist and Author Martin Doyle about growing up in an aspirational Catholic family during the Troubles whose successes in local business fostered dark resentments in the local community ... Martin Doyle's award-wining memoir, Dirty Linen, was published by the Irish Academic Press in 2023, and can be purchased here. Irish Passport Patrons have access to an exclusive extended reading of Martin's essay, “A ghost estate and an empty grave”. If you would like to support the podcast and access over 100 pieces of extra content, you can become a patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport. This episode featured ‘The Moon Got Tangled in the Branches’ by Aleksey Chistilin

Explore the costly Nine Years War in Ireland, with Gaelic chiefs uniting against English rule. Discover Gaelic pirate ships, peacock feather crowns, shifting alliances, and an audacious trip to London. Dive into innovative military strategies, a surprising victory, the Munster uprising, the daring Gronia Whale, and the fall of Gaelic Ireland. End with a Gaelic resistance song and a hint at bonus episodes.

Simon Harris, the incoming Taoiseach of Ireland, discusses the sudden resignation of Leo Varadkar, recent referendums, and the upcoming elections. They explore the proposed changes in the constitution, reasons for rejection, and the political landscape in Ireland. A focus on societal dynamics, party support changes, and potential election outcomes provides valuable insights for listeners.