Podcasts about Ulster

Welcome to Wednesday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, Ulster sign Wallabies prop Angus Bell, raising questions over IRFU's overseas prop embargo,Leinster face a opening-weekend trip to South Africa with the fixtures out for the 2025/26 URC season,And Dara Smith-Naughton picks his Ireland XV for the Six Nations opener against France... next February!Rugby on Off The Ball, with Bank of Ireland, a proud sponsor of Irish rugby. #NeverStopCompeting.

Typically left out of the story of the partition of Ireland are the three lost counties of Ulster.  These are the counties of Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan that were excluded from what became Northern Ireland despite their historic ties and shared stand against the creation of an independent Irish state.  If Dublin and Belfast failed to form closer ties, it is impossible to understand why without considering the lost counties.  If the Republic of Ireland struggled to come to terms with its own diversity, the history of the lost countries was a significant impediment.  Remembering the lost countries of Ulster with University College Dublin Professor Edward Burke, coming to the June 3rd episode of Realms of Memory.  

Well, we have a gem of an episode here, where we look into the life of James MacLaine and William Plunkett.  We follow what we can of their births and young lives as we discuss how the pair came to be the Gentleman Bandits that they were, what famous people they robbed, how they got caught and their final, if quite different, fates.  We also discuss what a blunderbuss is and why it would make a good brand name for underwear, whether James is related to John of the Die Hard Franchise, and so much more in this 1700's historical episode of the Family Plot Podcast!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/family-plot--4670465/support.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster Legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to look back on an impressive win over Ulster, and to look ahead to their final game of the regular season - a huge clash with Benetton in Cork

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Jonny Holland to break down the big news of the week, as we reach the final regular season round of the United Rugby Championship

Only one round of the URC left to go0 and Connacht and no Ulster are out of top 9 contention. We recap the round of games and look back at Leinsters loss while looking ahead to the Lions.

Welcome to Monday's Rugby Daily with David Wilson.Coming up today, we hear from the Leinster camp as Caelan Doris is ruled out for 6 months.Hugo Keenan explains where he watched the Lions announcement after making the touring squad.Tyler Bleyendaal wants his side to build momentum in the business end of the season.Denis Leamy looks for Munster consistency as they aim to back up last week's win at home to Ulster.Joe Schmidt has his eye on the Lions lurking in the long grass.World Rugby increase their ties to North America with a further pivot to the Middle East.Ian McGeechan receives a cancer diagnosis.Whilst Leicester Tigers have their new man. And finally on the day when Jonah Lomu would have turned 50, we remember some his greatest trys.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Things WE feel sure of for ALL Y'ALL … and why.Y'all is a contraction of you-all and is the main 2nd person plural pronoun in Southern American English. The earliest attestations of y'all are found in the Southern Literary Messenger (Richmond, VA) in 1856 and 1858.Things WE desire for YOU'UNS … and why.Yinz is a derivation from the original Scots-Irish "Yin(s)” - meaning you ones, yous ones and ye 'uns, a form of the 2nd person plural that is commonly heard in Scotland, Ulster and parts of Ireland and Northern England.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod after a weekend where there was only one real winner - Gaelic Football! We saw Donegal edge a stunning Ulster final, and on Sunday Louth claimed the Leinster title for the first time in 68 years. Scenes! We're talking both finals, and all the rest of the action this weekend.(00:30) - Capturing the magic of Croke Park on Sunday.(05:00) - Louth's glorious Leinster win - how they got the better of Meath.(24:00) - Tailteann Cup stories and Tyrone's u20s.(28:00) - Donegal-Armagh serve up a classic - where it was won and lost. We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too where we'll look ahead to another quality weekend of action. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Welcome to Monday's OTB Breakfast Bite, your FREE bitesize taster of this morning's full Off The Ball Breakfast. On this morning's show Tommy Rooney joined Ger and Colm to look back at a huge weekend of Gaelic games action whilst Alan Quinlan gave the expert view on Munster's inter-pro win over Ulster.Louth finally have their hands on the Delaney Cup after 68 long years, and Tommy was on hand to capture the scenes on a huge day for the Wee County.Quinny explained the Importance of the lineout and why that might have played a key role in the Lions selection whilst Munster target a top 8 finish in the URC.But this morning's Bite begins with the Meath perspective after their loss in the Leinster football final.Catch Off The Ball Breakfast LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app. SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/join

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod after a weekend where there was only one real winner - Gaelic Football! We saw Donegal edge a stunning Ulster final, and on Sunday Louth claimed the Leinster title for the first time in 68 years. Scenes! We're talking both finals, and all the rest of the action this weekend.(00:30) - Capturing the magic of Croke Park on Sunday.(05:00) - Louth's glorious Leinster win - how they got the better of Meath.(24:00) - Tailteann Cup stories and Tyrone's u20s.(28:00) - Donegal-Armagh serve up a classic - where it was won and lost. We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too where we'll look ahead to another quality weekend of action. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Michael Conlan grew up in West Belfast and comes from a family steeped in boxing, so it was no surprise that he would follow in his brothers footsteps to Clonard ABC at only 8 years of age. He was always a young boxer who was full of confidence in the ring and winning an Irish title in his first year set him on his way in amateur boxing. Michael opens up about going down the wrong path in his teenage years by drinking and taking various substances from as early as 12-13 years of age. A turning point came when he was selected for the Commonwealth Youth Games at 16. He was told he would have to be drug tested and this was a moment when Michael decided things had to change in his life and from that point, he dedicated himself fully to boxing.Once Michael moved to senior level, he would soon really come to the fore and would win Ulster and Irish senior titles in 2010 and 2011. After reaching the quarter finals of the World Championships in 2011, an Olympic spot in London 2012 was secured. Michael would go on to claim a bronze medal at those unforgettable games after losing to the Cuban who would eventually claim gold. Over the next 3 years, Michael would cement himself in Irish boxing history by winning Commonwealth, European and World senior gold medals and he goes into depth about the journey to winning these major titles. Going into the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, he was the poster boy of Irish sport and alongside Katie Taylor was the favourite to claim a gold medal for Ireland. We go into depth about the build up to the hugely controversial quarter final defeat to Russian, Vladimir Nikitin. Who can forget the famous middle finger salute to the judges and the raw interview he gave to RTE straight after the fight. Michael speaks from the heart on his amateur career and there are plenty of funny stories thrown in there as well. Listen to part 1 today of our 2 part special episode.

The future of the provincial football finals has been a source of debate in recent years due to Dublin's dominance in Leinster and Kerry's in Munster.But after Donegal won back-to-back Ulster titles and Louth were crowned Leinster champions for the first time in 68 years, along with a hugely entertaining Connacht final between Mayo and Galway last weekend, have the new rules breathed life into the provincial championships?Michael Foley, Sportswriter with The Sunday Times and former All-Ireland winning captain Ray Silke, spoke to Matt about this on Monday.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear their chat.

Welcome to the Final Whistle on Off The Ball.Here is your one-stop shop for all the weekend's biggest GAA voices in one podcast.David Wilson brings you through the weekend's major Gaelic Games talking points.Sam Mulroy, Ger Brennan and Conor Grimes on a momentous day for Louth.Carla Rowe wins 12th consecutive Leinster crown for the Dubs.Tyrone book another under-20 All-Ireland final date.Jim McGuinness and Patrick McBrearty savour an Ulster triumph.Liam Cahill pays tribute to his players as Brian Lohan's Clare look all but out.And Davy Fitzgerald is impressed by Dublin.Become a member at offtheball.com/subscribe

Rugby isn't black and white - Conor Mullin - #179 My guest this week is Otley RFC player and Mullin Strength and Fitness founder - Conor Mullin. We talked about: Developing late in the Ulster pathway Captaining Leeds Beckett University Getting selected for Yorkshire u20s Playing for a famous club like Otley Self-development and his desire for constant learning. Building a Strength and Fitness business. This is an inspirational episode - I hope you enjoy. LINKS Conor Mullin on Instagram - @conormullin8 - https://www.instagram.com/conormullin8/ Mullin Strength and Fitness on Instagram - @mullinstrengthandfitness - https://www.instagram.com/mullinstrengthandfitness/ on Tiktok - @mullinstrengthandfitness - https://www.tiktok.com/@mullinstrengthandfitness on Facebook - Mullin Strength and Fitness - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092690207418 Website -  www.mullinstrengthandfitness.com Otley RFC - https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/otley GET STASH England Rugby Store - https://ers.pxf.io/KjV30v British & Irish Lions Store - https://bil.sjv.io/9gNaL4 BUY ME A COFFEE Coffee helps me make more and better episodes. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/amateurrugbypodcast PATREON Join The Amateur Rugby Podcast Patreon community for some extra amateur rugby goodness! (https://patreon.com/amateurrugbypodcast) SUPPORT If you would like to support the podcast in some way there are plenty of options for you on my Support the Podcast (https://www.amateurrugbypodcast.com/support/) page.

When King James VI of Scotland became James I of England, he brought sweeping changes to the Anglo-Scottish Borders and Ulster that few today connect to the collapse of kin-based society in the Scottish Lowlands. In this episode, we explore how the brutal suppression of the Border Reivers, combined with the Ulster Plantation, disrupted centuries-old clan ties, dismantled local power structures, and reshaped Lowland identity.MyHeritage 14-day Free TrialLet me know if you're interested in the Scottish Clans tour of Scotland, a Clandanna, or a Battle Shirt!Email me: thescottishclans@gmail.comScottish Clans WebsiteSupport Scottish Clans on Patreon

Armagh LGFA's Blaithin Mackin and Joe Feeney spoke with Stephen Gleeson after they retained the Ulster Senior Ladies Football Championship with a win over Donegal, as the men's team were just about to run out in hopes of doing the same!

Welcome along to Friday's Rugby Daily with Cameron Hill.Coming up today, more reaction to the Lions squad announcement, while a key player has emerged as a major doubt for the Wallabies this summer.A big night for Munster and Ulster in their URC clash at Thomond Park,and Leinster and Connacht name their sides for this weekend's domestic action.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Arron McElroy visits Clones in Co. Monaghan as the town once again prepares to host the Ulster footballl finals over the weekend.

Off The Ball's Ruairi O'Hagan is joined by Munster legends Alan Quinlan and Fiona Hayes to preview a massive inter-pro clash with Ulster at Thomond Park.The first twenty minutes of this week's podcast is unlocked, but to listen to the full podcast, get on over to the Off The Ball app, or become a member at offtheball.com/join.

OTB's GAA correspondent Tommy Rooney undertook an hour's stroll with Armagh's Sam Maguire-winning manager Kieran McGeeney as the Orchard County launched their WinWithArmaghGAA fundraising initiative. Some of the topics raised included building an All Ireland-winning side, adapting to Gaelic football's new rules, McGeeney's own relationship with the media and so much more. WinWithArmaghGAA has a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in Newry or £200,000 cash up for grabs, and you can visit www.winwitharmaghgaa.com for further details. Time stamps:00.15 - Intro01.45 - Life the week of an Ulster Final - beating Tyrone, the flag.05.00 - WinwithArmagh - what is it for? Callanbridge - the foundations of Sam Maguire.09.45 - Armagh training in the 90s, Murderball, the Brian's, Joe Kernan, Grimley.12.30 - McGeeney's Armagh debut, Ulster in the 90s, Tohill influence, marking Mardsen.20.00 - Creating an All-Ireland winning team. Modern Football, new rules. All-Star debate. 24.00 - Are the GAA afraid of ‘making stars?' of their players? 27.00 - Beauty of Sport. Winning Sam as a player. Team talks. Maurice Fitzgerald.31.20 - Building the Future of Armagh Football in St. Malachy's, Portadown35.00 - McGeeney and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.36.45 - Sliding Doors moments as manager with Kildare and Armagh41.00 - Shepherd and Sheep - finding the right sort of players.44.00 - The Hunted - defending an All-Ireland, or chasing an Ulster title?47.00 - Building the right Armagh backroom team.49.00 - Most important thing learned as a manager?52.00 - Ulster Final v Donegal, Clones, Penalty Shootouts, Jeopardy.56.00 - Opinions and the new rules.58.00 - Importance of this fundraiser. 01:00:00 - Emotion on the sideline. Flags. Referees. Dissent. Armagh-Donegal history.

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Johne Murphy on this week's RTE Rugby podcast to look back on Leinster's shock Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints. We also look at how Saturday's game could shape the Lions squad this week, and preview a huge URC meeting of Munster and Ulster.

This weeks DL Debate was an Ulster Final Special LIVE from Sister Sara’s in Letterkenny. The DL Debate in association with Sara's Kitchen at Sister Sara's Letterkenny. Watch or Listen below: The post DL Debate – Ulster Final Preview 05/05/25 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - Galway come out the right side of a cracker in Connacht, Kerry get the job done on a scorcher in Killarney, and we've the Ulster and Leinster finals this week too. EnjoyCHAPTERS(00:30) - Sunday Night Excursions on The Pod.(02:00) - Classic in Castlebar - where Galway won and Mayo lost.(30:00) - Tommy spends an hour with Kieran McGeeney...(32:00) - Killarney host Kerry's Munster win against Clare - Banner hopes in All-Ireland?(43:00) - Leinster Final or bust for Louth and Meath.We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too - and if you missed our Roadshow last Friday night in Galway, go watch it back on YouTube or listen on Spotify, we had some craic!Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - Galway come out the right side of a cracker in Connacht, Kerry get the job done on a scorcher in Killarney, and we've the Ulster and Leinster finals this week too. EnjoyCHAPTERS(00:30) - Sunday Night Excursions on The Pod.(02:00) - Classic in Castlebar - where Galway won and Mayo lost.(30:00) - Tommy spends an hour with Kieran McGeeney...(32:00) - Killarney host Kerry's Munster win against Clare - Banner hopes in All-Ireland?(43:00) - Leinster Final or bust for Louth and Meath.We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too - and if you missed our Roadshow last Friday night in Galway, go watch it back on YouTube or listen on Spotify, we had some craic!Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Statue of Bobby Sands to be unveiledOn May 4 at 3pm, a statue of Bobby Sands will be unveiled in the Republican Memorial Garden in Twinbrook, where Bobby lived. The organisers of the event, all local republican activists and all inspired by the courage and self-sacrifice of Bobby and his comrades, have worked hard over recent years to raise the funds for the statue. Former hunger striker Pat Sheehan who spent 55 days on the 1981 hunger strike will speak about Bobby and his comrades who died.There will also be a Bobby Sands Mountain Walk that morning and the annual Bobby Sands lecture will be given that evening by Pat Sheehan in the Andersonstown Social Club.Bobby was the first of ten republican hunger strikers to die during the H-Block hunger strike of 1981. He died on May 5. The others were: Francis Hughes; Raymond McCreesh; Patsy O'Hara; Joe McDonnell; Kieran Doherty TD; Kevin Lynch; Martin Hurson; Tom McElwee; and Mickey Devine. Nor should we forget Michael Gaughan 1974 and Frank Stagg 1976 who died on hunger strike in prisons in England.I knew Bobby and Francie Hughes, Kieran Doherty and Joe McDonnell. I also met Tom McElwee and Mickey Devine on a visit to the prison hospital in July 1981. They were all ordinary young working class men. Joe McDonnell at 30 was the eldest. The rest were all in their 20s. In extraordinary times they revealed a depth of resolve that few are ever called upon to demonstrate.The RefugeesA hurried worried people, a human stampede to God knows where,Were spat out from the back streets, for God knows who to care.Their little kitchen houses lit up the night around about‘For God and Ulster' was the reason that the refugees were driven out. Oh little humble homes where the people hugged the open fire,Oil-clothed floors and little ornamented cabinets that the neighbours would admire,The little backyard havens where the youngsters would playAnd in the hall the little font of holy water to bless you on your way! Pope FrancisThe funeral last Saturday of Pope Francis was an occasion to mourn the passing of a leader who championed progressive causes, stood up for those most marginalised and vulnerable while opening the door to reform within the Church. There is much more to be done to make the Church democratic. I am among those who are alienated by the deep absence of equality in the Church's structures.  Banning women from the priesthood is totally unacceptable as is the opulence of some institutions and the unaccountability of church leaders, particularly over the treatment of children and vulnerable people.  But still there are good priests and nuns and many decent people doing their best to make amends.  They include Pope Francis. The many stories of his deep sense of compassion for the sick and vulnerable and those who are victim of abuse and violence have filled the airwaves and social media since his death. His loss is a huge blow to the institutional Church which often seems aloof to the trials and tribulations of ordinary people while being less than open about the sins of some within its own ranks.

Dr. Tara Shine is a climate change expert with over 20 years of experience in climate science, science communication, and policy. Her work has focused on shaping international and national policy to advance equity, gender equality, inclusion, and environmental protection.A seasoned scientific adviser, Tara has worked with a range of influential organisations, including the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, the OECD, The Elders, SIDA (Sweden's development agency), the World Bank, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency.For a decade, Tara served as a climate negotiator at the United Nations and contributed as a reviewer to the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. She is a guest lecturer on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Irish universities and sits on the Board of Trustees of the International Institute for Environment and Development. She is also an alumna of Homeward Bound, the global leadership initiative for women in science.Tara holds a BSc in Environmental Science and a PhD in Geography from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland. Her work in research, policy, and education has spanned countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Armagh's Jemar Hall speaks to OTB's Ruairí O'Hagan at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh today, where it was announced SuperValu had renewed their deal to sponsor the All Ireland Football Championship for a further five years.

Jennifer Murray chats to Michael May from Mid-Ulster Talking Newspaper, based in Northern Ireland. If you would like to contact Michael directly, you can email him on: m.smay@btinternet.com  Image description: Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - Meath have beaten Dublin for the first time since 2010, Armagh edge a classic, Donegal join them, and Louth are back in a Leinster final - for the first time since 2010…enjoy!Reminder that we're in Galway on Friday night for our first roadshow of 2025 - join us!CHAPTERS(00:30) - Oh, Beautiful Meath(05:00) - How and why Dublin were beaten(20:00) - Louth-Meath Leinster Final - Kildare downed.(32:00) - All-Ireland series blown open - Galway Roadshow guests reveal.(39:00) - Classic in Clones - Armagh v Tyrone. Champions stand up.(50.00) - Saturday night Ulster Final in Clones. Provincials excitement!We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - Meath have beaten Dublin for the first time since 2010, Armagh edge a classic, Donegal join them, and Louth are back in a Leinster final - for the first time since 2010…enjoy!Reminder that we're in Galway on Friday night for our first roadshow of 2025 - join us!CHAPTERS(00:30) - Oh, Beautiful Meath(05:00) - How and why Dublin were beaten(20:00) - Louth-Meath Leinster Final - Kildare downed.(32:00) - All-Ireland series blown open - Galway Roadshow guests reveal.(39:00) - Classic in Clones - Armagh v Tyrone. Champions stand up.(50.00) - Saturday night Ulster Final in Clones. Provincials excitement!We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Check out #TheToughest for more.

Key findings from a new report suggest the following key trends to explain the slow pace of Irish EV Adoption 32% of respondents plan to purchase a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle next Hybrids are the most popular alternative fuel choice for people's next car across all age groups at 17%, outstripping pure EVs The expense of EVs was cited as a barrier to purchase by 40% of respondents. Other top concerns stopping people making the EV switch include reliability concerns at 31% and electricity costs at 28%. 34% of rural respondents cite insufficient public charging infrastructure as a barrier to purchase, and 45% of people living rurally also find electric vehicles too expensive The barriers to Irish EV Adoption Carzone has unveiled its 2025 Motoring Report, revealing significant insights into Ireland's shifting attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs). The report highlights that while 32% of respondents plan to purchase an EV, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid next, expense continues to pose a major barrier. Cost was identified by 40% of respondents as the primary obstacle to adopting an EV. Other notable concerns include reliability (31%) and the cost of electricity (28%). Rural respondents in particular expressed apprehension regarding EV infrastructure, with 34% citing inadequate public charging options as a significant deterrent. Nationally, respondents indicated that an average range of approximately 497 km is required before considering an EV purchase. However, regional variations exist: Ulster respondents require the highest average range at 548 km, whereas Leinster respondents, benefiting from more accessible charging infrastructure around Dublin, cited a lower average requirement of approximately 475 km. For those who have already transitioned to electric vehicles, reduced running costs emerge as a major benefit, with 86% of EV owners highlighting this as a key advantage of their decision. Since its launch, Carzone's annual Motoring Report has become a trusted resource for vehicle sellers and buyers, offering crucial insights into Ireland's dynamic motoring industry. Martin O'Neill from Carzone commented, "Our 2025 Motoring Report clearly shows that interest in electric vehicles remains strong, but financial and infrastructural hurdles still exist for many Irish drivers. At Carzone, we aim to provide essential insights to consumers and dealerships alike, helping them navigate the evolving automotive landscape and make informed decisions about adopting EVs as the market continues to expand." The 16th edition of Carzone's Motoring Report combines data from 84 million searches conducted on Carzone in 2024 with a comprehensive survey of 1,000 Irish motorists, providing a definitive snapshot of Irish car-buying habits. The report offers a comprehensive guide to Ireland's car-buying landscape, reflecting today's priorities while looking towards future trends. To delve deeper into the analysis and insights shaping the market, visit www.carzone.ie/ motoringreport. See more breaking stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Cameron Hill brings the news on the Leinster injury front.Ulster opt to move on several players as Richie Murphy continues his rebuild.Connacht look for improvement in South Africa.An English legend retires.And the return of a star for New Zealand.Rugby on Off The Ball with thanks to Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Cameron Hill brings the news on the Leinster injury front.Ulster opt to move on several players as Richie Murphy continues his rebuild.Connacht look for improvement in South Africa.An English legend retires.And the return of a star for New Zealand.Rugby on Off The Ball with thanks to Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - after a savage weekend of GAA - we're breaking down the three big games, looking at some of the themes around the rules and this weekend's provincial semi-finals. (00:30) - What a weekend - two-pointers, hooter-gate and dodgy red cards.(04:00) - Cork rattle Kerry - why did they fall short? Head high tackles debate.(19:00) - Monaghan push Donegal - just not enough…no two-point frees?(30:00) - Galway statement - where they impressed and where they are at…(40:00) - The Football Pod Roadshow - where are we off to?(41:00) - Brilliant Barry McNulty, Guinness saves Down.(50.00) - Ulster final to Clones? Members questions.Roadshow details on the way this week - keep an eye out...We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the Football, Ladies Football, Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Club Championships. Check out #TheToughest.

Tommy, James and Paddy are back with The Football Pod - after a savage weekend of GAA - we're breaking down the three big games, looking at some of the themes around the rules and this weekend's provincial semi-finals. (00:30) - What a weekend - two-pointers, hooter-gate and dodgy red cards.(04:00) - Cork rattle Kerry - why did they fall short? Head high tackles debate.(19:00) - Monaghan push Donegal - just not enough…no two-point frees?(30:00) - Galway statement - where they impressed and where they are at…(40:00) - The Football Pod Roadshow - where are we off to?(41:00) - Brilliant Barry McNulty, Guinness saves Down.(50.00) - Ulster final to Clones? Members questions.Roadshow details on the way this week - keep an eye out...We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the Football, Ladies Football, Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Club Championships. Check out #TheToughest.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Cameron Hill brings you the team news for Ireland's Women's Six Nations trip to Wales on Easter Sunday,The Irish provinces have named for this weekend's URC action, including an interpro derby at the Aviva Stadium.And former Leinster captain Hannah O'Connor explains why the Boys in Blue need to go all out for the business end of the season.Rugby Daily on Off The Ball, with Bank of Ireland, a proud sponsor of Irish Rugby. Never Stop Competing.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you details of an increase to the provinces of their contributions towards central contracts. There's mixed injury news from Ulster ahead of their interpro with Leinster. We hear from a frustrated Ian Costello ahead of Munster's date with the Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park. Cullie Tucker joins us from the Western Cape where Connacht are preparing for the DHL Stormers. And an All Blacks mainstay is cutting short his international career for the riches of Japan.

On Monday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you news from the Leinster camp after they put Glasgow to the sword in the Investec Champions Cup. We hear from Jacques Nienaber and Joe McCarthy as Leinster attentions turn to Ulster in the URC. Connacht's Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Racing has come with added cost. Eben Etzebeth scotches retirement talk.And Ireland lick their wounds after a second half mauling at the hands of England in the W6N.

Owen and Tom discuss Jack Crowley's contract, Leinster's pumping of Quins, Munster's emotional win in La Rochelle, Ulster's loss in Bordeaux and Connacht's nervy win over Cardiff.

John Maytham is joined by Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson to reflect on the team’s UK tour in the United Rugby Championship. Despite a narrow loss to Ulster, the Stormers return with seven points from two matches. Dobson unpacks key moments, discipline challenges, and why the upcoming home games are critical in their push for the playoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tommy, James and Paddy are talking through the opening weekend of Championship action - Tommy was in Ballybofey, Paddy was in Castlebar and James kept an eye on it all!, we get stuck into plenty - enjoy!(00:30) - A Beautiful Monday after a fine weekend.(05:00) - Mayo beat Sligo - did they meet Jimmy's standards? O'Shea, Debutants, Sligo.(13:00) - Challenges for the underdogs(16:00) - Donegal-Derry deepdive: Tally credit, Ó Baoill and Patton's class, Squad balance(41.00) - Around the Provinces: Tipp's Steven O'Brien, Galway Cooke, Meath's answers, Quarters in Ulster and Leinster.We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the Football, Ladies Football, Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Club Championships. Check out #TheToughest.

Tommy, James and Paddy are talking through the opening weekend of Championship action - Tommy was in Ballybofey, Paddy was in Castlebar and James kept an eye on it all!, we get stuck into plenty - enjoy!(00:30) - A Beautiful Monday after a fine weekend.(05:00) - Mayo beat Sligo - did they meet Jimmy's standards? O'Shea, Debutants, Sligo.(13:00) - Challenges for the underdogs(16:00) - Donegal-Derry deepdive: Tally credit, Ó Baoill and Patton's class, Squad balance(41.00) - Around the Provinces: Tipp's Steven O'Brien, Galway Cooke, Meath's answers, Quarters in Ulster and Leinster.We've got a Members Football Pod coming for you later this week too. Become an Off The Ball member, or download the Off The Ball app to get three free listens per month and get our two episodes per-week throughout the intercounty season.The Football Pod Club is brought to you every week by AIB. Proud sponsors of the Football, Ladies Football, Hurling and Camogie All Ireland Club Championships. Check out #TheToughest.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has team news from all four provinces - and their opponents - ahead of a busy weekend of Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We hear from Dan Sheehan and Alan Quinlan on Leinster's last-16 encounter with Alan Quinlan at Croke Park, a game you can hear live and exclusive on Off The Ball on Saturday. Ronan O'Gara speaks exclusively to us as his out-of-form La Rochelle side prepare to host Munster. Rob Herring will win his 250th Ulster cap in Sunday's tricky test away to Bordeaux. And Shayne Bolton is back for Connacht's Challenge Cup tie with Cardiff. Plus, the latest on Rugby Australia's search for a new Wallabies head coach, and one of the game's best young talents closes the door on the All Blacks.

On Friday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has team news from all four provinces - and their opponents - ahead of a busy weekend of Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action. We hear from Dan Sheehan and Alan Quinlan on Leinster's last-16 encounter with Alan Quinlan at Croke Park, a game you can hear live and exclusive on Off The Ball on Saturday. Ronan O'Gara speaks exclusively to us as his out-of-form La Rochelle side prepare to host Munster. Rob Herring will win his 250th Ulster cap in Sunday's tricky test away to Bordeaux. And Shayne Bolton is back for Connacht's Challenge Cup tie with Cardiff. Plus, the latest on Rugby Australia's search for a new Wallabies head coach, and one of the game's best young talents closes the door on the All Blacks.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Munster ahead of their blockbuster Investec Champions Cup last-16 tie away to La Rochelle on Saturday. We hear from Tadhg Beirne on his role in Antoine Dupont's recent ligament injury, plus Mike Prendergast addresses being overlooked for the head coach's job. A season to forget for Rob Baloucoune continues at Ulster. We hear from stand-in coach at Connacht Colm Tucker as they prepare to play Cardiff in the Challenge Cup.

Last time we spoke about the Visayas Offensive. In March 1945, the Pacific War raged on. On Iwo Jima, the US Marines, after intense fighting and heavy casualties, declared the island secured. Meanwhile, in northern Luzon, General Clarkson's division advanced towards Baguio, facing fierce Japanese resistance, while General Mullins pushed through Balete Pass. The Japanese army, grappling with severe supply shortages, was forced to evacuate Baguio. In the Visayas, General Eichelberger's forces targeted the Sulu Archipelago and Central Visayan Islands, securing key airfields. The 40th Division landed on Panay, capturing Iloilo, and launched an assault on northern Negros. On Cebu, the Americal Division landed near Talisay, encountering mines but minimal resistance, and secured Cebu City. By April, Allied forces had made strategic advances across the Philippines, overcoming Japanese resistance and establishing crucial airfields. This episode is the Invasion of okinawa Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  We have come to the grand final battlefield at last, that of Okinawa. Of course battles are raging in all sorts of other theaters like New Guinea, China, Burma, etc. However as you might imagine its becoming impossible given the week by week format to cover all of this in single episodes. So we are going to hardcore focus on Okinawa for awhile, we will circle back to the other theaters to catch up. Seriously it was the only logical way to do this and honestly in retrospect I wish the entire podcast was campaign by campaign instead of week by week. But I am a mere podcaster following the youtube series of this. But if you want to hear a campaign by campaign series, over at Echoes of War me and my cohost Gaurav are beginning to roll them out. The first series will be the entire Malayan Campaign, and I think after that I might try to do the Philippines. Regardless lets jump into the invasion of Okinawa. As previously noted, the directive issued by the Joint Chiefs of Staff on October 3 designated Okinawa as the final target for invasion, following the establishment of air and naval bases in Luzon and Iwo Jima. Capturing this crucial island would bring the conflict to Japan's doorstep, disrupt the enemy's air communications through the Ryukyu Islands, and flank their maritime routes to the south. Consequently, from these newly established air and naval bases in the Ryukyus, American forces would be able to launch attacks on Japan's main islands and implement a more rigorous sea and air blockade, isolating them from Japanese territories to the south. This made it imperative for the Japanese Empire to maintain control over Okinawa and the Ryukyus. To this end, the 32nd Army, led by Lieutenant-General Watanabe Masao, was formed there by late March 1944. Initially, it comprised four companies and one artillery regiment stationed at Amami Oshima; five companies and one artillery regiment at Nakagusuku Bay; four companies and one artillery regiment at Iriomote Island; along with various garrison units from the 19th Air District in Okinawa.  Under Operation Tei-Go, the Ryukyus and Formosa were to form a long zone of interprotective air bases. These bases were expected to defeat any American sea or air forces sent into the region. To avoid destruction from the air, each base was to consist of a cluster of airfields, such that if one were damaged others could be used immediately. Military and civilian crews were promptly set to work building the numerous fields. 13 base clusters had to be created, stretching in a line from Tachiarai in the northern Ryukyus to Pingting on Formosa in the south. The only remaining tasks for ground forces were the defense of these facilities and their support anchorages and the unenviable work of building the fields. Much of the energy of 32nd Army would be absorbed building these air facilities. This was more difficult since 32nd Army had only two bulldozers and one earth roller. Japan had produced dozers in small numbers at its Komatsu plant since 1943, but few had reached the front. Since soldiers were thus obliged to use shovels, hoes, straw baskets, and horse-drawn wagons, construction was slow. Moreover, because of enemy submarine raiders, it was impossible for the Japanese to deliver the large quantities of fuel, ammunition, and anti-aircraft guns needed to operate the bases. Even more seriously, the planes themselves were not available. Between April and June, the 32nd Army received reinforcements, including the 44th and 45th Independent Mixed Brigades, the 21st Independent Mixed Regiment, and the 27th Independent Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, among other air garrison units. From these forces, Watanabe chose to send the 45th Brigade to establish bases on Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island, while the 21st Regiment was tasked with setting up a base on Tokunoshima. On June 27, the 1st and 2nd Infantry Corps (approx. 4100 men) boarded the Toyama Maru and began the voyage to Okinawa. The 44th Brigade HQ, Artillery and Engineer Units meanwhile boarded other vessels of the Taka-412 convoy. Two days later, while the convoy was sailing east of Tokunoshima, the submarine Sturgeon successfully sank the Toyama Maru with two torpedoes, therefore inflicting the loss of 3724 men and much heavy equipment. Because of this, the 1st Corps had to be deactivated.  Following the fall of Saipan, the Japanese Empire rapidly deployed significant ground forces to the 32nd Army, including the 9th, 24th, 28th, and 62nd Divisions, as well as the 59th, 60th, and 64th Independent Mixed Brigades, and the 27th Tank Regiment. Additionally, the 15th Independent Mixed Regiment was airlifted to bolster the beleaguered 44th Brigade, which was reorganizing its 2nd Corps with local recruits. The 32nd Army Staff wished to use as much of the indigenous population as it could in direct support of the war effort, so on January 1 1945 it ordered total mobilization. All Okinawan males aged 18 to 45 were obliged to enter the Japanese service. 39000 were drafted, of whom 15000 were used as nonuniformed laborers and 24000 as rear-echelon troops called the Home Guard (Boeitai). Many of the Boeitai replaced sea based battalions and rear-area supply units that had been reorganized and equipped for frontline duty. In addition to these, 1500 of the senior boys of the middle schools on Okinawa were organized into Iron and Blood Volunteer Units and assigned to frontline duty. Some of these students had been tried out in the signal service in the autumn of 1944 with good results, so the program was expanded. Since the fall of 1944, 600 senior students of the girls' middle schools also had been given training in the medical service. While most of these troops were sent to strengthen the main defenses at Okinawa, a large portion of the 28th Division was actually assigned to reinforce the garrisons on the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands. The 36th Regiment was dispatched to support the Daito Islands, the entire 45th Brigade was moved to garrison Ishigaki and the rest of the Yaeyamas, the 59th Brigade was tasked with defending Irabu Island, the 60th Brigade was sent to reinforce Miyako Island, and the 64th Brigade was deployed to the Amami Islands. On August 9, Lieutenant-General Ushijima Mitsuru took command of the 32nd Army. His initial strategy was to occupy all of Okinawa with a strong force and eliminate any invading troops at their landing sites. As fierce fighting began at Leyte, intensive training for the troops commenced, including divisional maneuvers at potential American landing points, artillery bombardments of beachheads, and nighttime assaults on bridges. However, on November 13, Tokyo decided to send the elite 9th Division to Formosa to prepare for a movement to the Philippines that ultimately did not occur. The unexpected withdrawal of the 32nd Army's best division disrupted Ushijima's operational plans. Ironically, this situation improved combat efficiency, as it compelled the army to achieve more with fewer resources. Ushijima chose to concentrate most of his forces in the mountainous and easily defensible Shimajiri area, located in the southern part of the island. This strategic location allowed the Japanese to maintain control over Naha port and target the northern airfields with artillery. Similar to the situation in Iwo Jima, this decision marked a departure from the previously favored strategy of a "decisive battle," opting instead for a war of attrition that had proven effective at Peleliu and Iwo Jima. As a result, Ushijima positioned Lieutenant-General Amamiya Tatsumi's reinforced 24th Division at the southern end of the island, Lieutenant-General Hongo Yoshio's reinforced 62nd Division along the central isthmus, Major-General Suzuki Shigeji's reinforced 44th Independent Mixed Brigade on the Hagushi plain, and Colonel Udo Takehiko's Kunigami Detachment, consisting of two battalions from the 2nd Corps, in northern Okinawa. These troop placements were successfully implemented in December; however, concerns arose that the 32nd Army was spread too thin to effectively counter the anticipated enemy invasion. Consequently, on January 15, Ushijima decided to move the 44th Brigade from the Hagushi plain southward to overlap with the 62nd Division's area on the east, significantly shortening the Japanese front. Additionally, one battalion from the Kunigami Detachment was sent to defend Iejima and its crucial airbase, which necessitated the rest of the unit to consolidate its positions and strengthen defenses on Yaedake Mountain in the Motobu Peninsula. Ushijima also had the support of the brigade-sized 5th Artillery Group, led by Lieutenant-General Wada Kosuke; the 21st Field Anti-Aircraft Artillery Corps; the 11th Shipping Group, which included several shipping engineer regiments and sea-raiding battalions; the 19th Air District overseeing various aviation service units; and Rear-Admiral Ota Minoru's Okinawa Naval Base Force, which comprised nearly 9,000 personnel stationed at the Oroku Naval Air Base near Naha. Ushijima had nearly 100,000 troops at his command, with 29,000 assigned to specialized units for anti-aircraft, sea-raiding, and airfield operations. Anticipating the nature of the impending conflict, these well-staffed service units were reorganized for ground combat. The 19th Air District transformed into the 1st Specially Established Regiment, responsible for defending the Yontan and Kadena airfields it had recently constructed and maintained. Most of the service personnel were integrated into the new 1st Specially Established Brigade in the Naha-Yonabaru area, while the sea-raiding base battalions became independent infantry units. Additionally, the remainder of the 11th Shipping Group was restructured into the 2nd Specially Established Brigade on the southwestern part of Okinawa. This reorganization, completed on March 21, bolstered ground combat strength by 14,000 men, leaving only 10,500 of the 67,000 Army personnel in specialized roles. To protect themselves, the Japanese began constructing robust fortifications, tunnels, and cave systems to shield against anticipated enemy bombardments.  Work on the caves was begun with great vigor. "Confidence in victory will be born from strong fortifications" was the soldiers' slogan. The caves meant personal shelter from the fierce bombardments that were sure to come, and they also offered a shimmering hope of victory. The combination was irresistible, and units began to work passionately on their own caves. Enthusiasm was essential because of the great toil it took to create the caves. Just as 32nd Army had only two bulldozers to make airfields, it had no mechanized tunneling equipment at all. Besides lacking cutting equipment, 32nd Army also lacked construction materials. It had no cement, no ironware, and no dynamite. The units had to rely entirely on wooden beams that they obtained themselves to shore up their shafts. This was not necessarily easy because there were no forests in the south of the island where the troops were now stationed. Pine forests were abundant in the mountainous north, however, so each unit was assigned its own lumbering district in the north. Several hundred men from each division were detailed as its lumbering squad. The problem remained, however, of how to move the several million logs that were needed over the 40 or so miles from the forests to the forts. With no railroads and the use of trucks limited by a shortage of gasoline, the solution was for each unit to cut its own logs, then transport them in small native boats called sabenis. The divisions acquired 70 of these, which then plied the waters steadily from north to south. In January 1945, however, the Leyte-based B-24s that began flying over daily for reconnaissance also began strafing the boats. So the waterborne delivery of logs had to be switched from day to night, greatly lowering efficiency. Ushijima aimed to prolong the fight from these positions and decided to destroy the indefensible Yontan and Kadena airfields to prevent their use by the enemy, effectively ending the ineffective air defense strategy initially devised by Tokyo. Meanwhile, Admirals Nimitz and Spruance were preparing for Operation Iceberg, the invasion of Okinawa. Given the expectation that the capture of Iwo Jima and recent air assaults on Japan would concentrate enemy air power around the Empire's core, which would respond aggressively to any attacks on Okinawa, the Americans needed to first neutralize or eliminate enemy air facilities in the Ryukyus, Kyushu, and Formosa to achieve air superiority over their objective. As a result, all available carrier-based and land-based air forces were tasked with this operation, including Admiral Mitscher's Task Force 58, General Kenney's Far East Air Forces, Admiral Hoover's Central Pacific Forward Area, and General Arnold's 20th Air Force. From the 20th Air Force, General LeMay's 21st Bomber Command was assigned to attack Okinawa before moving on to Kyushu and other vulnerable locations in the home islands. Meanwhile, Brigadier-General Roger Ramey's 20th Bomber Command, supported by General Chennault's 14th Air Force, focused on neutralizing Formosa. Aircraft from the Southwest Pacific Area were also set to conduct searches and continuous strikes against Formosa as soon as conditions on Luzon allowed. Additionally, the British carriers of Vice-Admiral Bernard Rawlings' Task Force 57 were tasked with neutralizing air installations on the Sakishima Group in the ten days leading up to the landings. Once air superiority was achieved, Spruance's 5th Fleet was to land Lieutenant-General Simon Buckner's 10th Army, which included Major-General John Hodge's 24th Corps and Major-General Roy Geiger's 3rd Amphibious Corps. The 24th Corps comprised the 7th and 96th Divisions, while the 3rd Amphibious Corps included the 1st and 6th Marine Divisions. As the Commanding General of Expeditionary Troops, Buckner also oversaw the 27th and 77th Divisions and the 2nd Marine Division for special operations and reserve purposes. Furthermore, the 81st Division was held in area reserve. In total, Buckner commanded a force of 183,000 troops, with 116,000 designated for the initial landings. The plan called for Major-General Andrew Bruce's 77th Division to first secure amphibious bases in the Kerama Islands on March 26, with one battalion further securing Keisejima five days later to establish a field artillery group there. On April 1, following a demonstration by the 2nd Marine Division in southern Okinawa, the main landings were set to take place. The 24th Corps and the 3rd Amphibious Corps would land simultaneously on the west coast beaches north and south of Hagushi. After landing, both corps were to quickly advance across the island, capturing the airfields in their designated areas before securing all of southern and central Okinawa. Subsequently, Buckner's forces were to invade and secure Iejima and northern Okinawa. Once this was achieved, there were tentative plans to launch an invasion of Kikaijima with the 1st Marine Division and Miyako Island with the 5th Amphibious Corps. For the invasion, Spruance relied on a Covering Force under his command, along with Admiral Turner's Joint Expeditionary Force. This force included Admiral Blandy's Amphibious Support Force, which comprised minesweepers, UDTs, and escort carriers; Rear-Admiral Morton Deyo's Gunfire and Covering Force, consisting of ten battleships and eight heavy cruisers; Rear-Admiral Lawrence Reifsnider's Northern Attack Force, responsible for landing the 3rd Amphibious Corps; and Rear-Admiral John Hall's Southern Attack Force, tasked with landing the 24th Corps. Similar to Iwo Jima, Okinawa had endured multiple air attacks since October 1944 as part of the preliminary operations for the landings on Leyte, Luzon, and Iwo Jima that we previously discussed. These operations also included air strikes aimed at neutralizing Japanese air power on Formosa. Throughout February and March, Mitscher's carriers and LeMay's B-29s brought the conflict back to the Japanese home islands with a series of strikes that caused significant damage and instilled fear in the population. On March 1, Task Force 58 launched the first strike of the month against the Ryukyus, targeting Amami, Minami, Kume, Tokuno, and Okino, as well as Okinawa. This operation resulted in the destruction of 41 planes, the sinking of eleven vessels, damage to five others, and significant harm to island facilities. In between the main assaults on Japan, the superfortresses frequently targeted key sites in the Ryukyus, leading the beleaguered Japanese forces to refer to these missions as the "regular run." Throughout March, aircraft from the Southwest Pacific and the Marianas conducted nearly daily operations over the Ryukyus and surrounding waters, searching for Japanese shipping and contributing to the isolation of Okinawa by sinking cargo ships, luggers, and other vessels, while American submarines intensified the blockade around the Ryukyus. Meanwhile, after completing extensive training and rehearsals, Task Forces 51 and 55 gathered at Leyte, Task Force 53 assembled in the Guadalcanal-Russells area, and the rest of the 5th Fleet convened at Ulithi. On March 12, Reifsneider's convoy, carrying the 3rd Amphibious Corps, was the first to depart, successfully reaching Ulithi nine days later. On March 18, the tractor group transporting the 77th Division began its journey from Leyte to the Kerama Islands. On the same day, Mitscher's carriers targeted 45 airfields in Kyushu, claiming the destruction of 102 Japanese planes, damaging or destroying 275 on the ground, sinking six vessels, and damaging three more. In response, Admiral Ugaki's 5th Air Fleet launched a counterattack against the carriers Enterprise, Intrepid, and Yorktown, inflicting minor damage while losing 33 aircraft. The next morning, after locating the majority of the Combined Fleet at Kure, Mitscher dispatched 436 aircraft to target naval installations and shore facilities in the Inland Sea. At 06:50 three C6N Saiun “Myrt” recon planes discovered Task Force 58, and by 07:00 Captain Genda Minoru's elite, handpicked 343rd Kokutai had scrambled 63 advanced Kawasaki N1K2-J “George” Shiden-Kai fighters from Shikoku to intercept the Americans. Minutes later, Genda's powerful Shiden-Kais “waded into the Hellcats and Corsairs as if the clock had been turned back to 1942.” Soon the 343rd Kokutai was engaged in a wild maelstrom with 80 US fighters, including VF-17 and VBF-17 Hellcats from Hornet and VMF-112 Corsairs from Bennington. For once the Japanese broke about even, losing 24 fighters and one scout plane to the Americans' 14 fighters and 11 bombers. Nevertheless, Genda's expert but outnumbered 343rd Kokutai proved unable to blunt the American onslaught. Despite facing a formidable intercepting force, they managed to inflict damage on 18 Japanese warships, including the battleships Yamato, Ise, Hyuga, and Haruna, as well as six aircraft carriers. Additionally, one incomplete submarine was destroyed, 97 enemy planes were shot down, and 225 were either destroyed or damaged at Japanese airfields. In response, Ugaki launched a kamikaze counterattack that successfully struck the carriers Wasp and Franklin, causing significant damage and forcing Franklin to head to Pearl Harbor immediately. As Task Force 58 slowly withdrew the afternoon of March 20, a damaged Zero crashed destroyer Halsey Powell, killing 12 and wounding 29. Shortly afterwards friendly anti-aircraft fire started fires aboard Enterprise. At 23:00 eight Japanese torpedo planes unsuccessfully attacked the carriers, while three overnight snoopers were splashed by anti-aircraft fire. Between March 17 and March 20 Ugaki had committed 193 aircraft to battle and lost 161. On March 21 Ugaki dispatched a 48-plane strike, including 16 G4M “Betty” bombers, carrying the very first Ohka (“Cherry Blossom”) suicide missiles. However the combat air patrol (CAP) of 150 Hellcats and Corsairs repulsed them. Franklin, Wasp, and Enterprise, all damaged, steamed to Ulithi as a reorganized Task Group 58.2. Except for April 8–17, when Task Group-58.2 was briefly reestablished, Task Force 58 strength would remain at three Task Groups throughout Iceberg's duration. Ugaki's 5th Air Fleet was meanwhile effectively incapacitated for several weeks, but Ugaki nevertheless reported five carriers, two battleships, and three cruisers sunk, which IGHQ found scarcely credible. Meanwhile, the Mine Flotilla departed Ulithi on March 19, followed two days later by the rest of Task Force 52 and Task Force 54 to support the Kerama operation. On March 23, to prepare for the imminent minesweeping operations of Iceberg, Task Force 58 conducted extensive bombing raids on all known installations in Okinawa, resulting in significant damage and the sinking of 24 vessels and damage to three others over the following five days. Furthermore, Admiral Lee's battleships traversed the cleared area and opened fire on Okinawa, sinking an additional two vessels. With this naval and air support, Blandy's minesweepers and UDTs successfully cleared the route for Rear-Admiral Ingolf Kiland's Western Islands Attack Group by nightfall on March 25. Their primary opposition in the following two days consisted of a series of kamikaze attacks, which caused damage to the battleship Nevada, light cruiser Biloxi, four destroyers, two destroyer minelayers, one minesweeper, and two transports, while the destroyer Halligan was sunk by mines. The next morning, supported by naval gunfire and carrier aircraft, Bruce initiated his first landings. The 3rd Battalion, 305th Regiment landed on the southern beaches of Aka Island, facing sporadic resistance. Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion, 306th Regiment landed unopposed on Geruma Island, which was quickly secured. The 2nd Battalion, 306th Regiment achieved even faster success at Hokaji Island, while the 1st Battalion, 305th Regiment invaded Zamami Island with light resistance. The 2nd Battalion, 307th Regiment encountered minor opposition as it took Yakabi Island. The Fleet Marine Force Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion scouted Keisejima and found no enemy presence. After encountering some resistance, the units on Aka and Zamami pushed back the enemy garrisons, securing two-thirds of Aka by nightfall and successfully repelling a strong counterattack on Zamami that night. Simultaneously, Deyo's warships and Blandy's carriers began bombarding the demonstration beaches, while minesweepers cleared progressively larger areas around Okinawa, although the minesweeper Skylark was sunk by mines. By March 27, the remaining enemy forces on Aka and Zamami were finally eliminated, and a company took Amuro Island without opposition. Additionally, a company from the 307th moved to Kuba Island, which was quickly secured. At the same time, Bruce continued his main landings, with the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 306th Regiment landing on the west coast of Tokashiki Island, facing minimal opposition. As the two battalions advanced north along narrow trails toward Tokashiki town, the 3rd Battalion landed to secure the southern part of the island. On March 28, they reached the town, clearing the entire island and concluding the Kerama operation.  In Kerama, "Island Chain between Happiness and Good," the Japanese tradition of self-destruction emerged horribly in the last acts of soldiers and civilians trapped in the hills. Camping for the night of March 28 a mile from the north tip of Tokashiki, troops of the 306th heard explosions and screams of pain in the distance. In the morning they found a small valley littered with more than 150 dead and dying Japanese, most of them civilians. Fathers had systematically throttled each member of their families and then disemboweled themselves with knives or hand grenades. Under one blanket lay a father, two small children, a grandfather, and a grandmother, all strangled by cloth ropes. Soldiers and medics did what they could. The natives, who had been told that the invading "barbarians" would kill and rape, watched with amazement as the Americans provided food and medical care; an old man who had killed his daughter wept in bitter remorse. Only a minority of the Japanese, however, were suicides. Most civilians straggled into American positions, worn and dirty. In all, the 77th took 1,195 civilian and 121 military prisoners. This operation resulted in the deaths of 530 Japanese soldiers, 121 captured, and the neutralization of over 350 suicide boats, with American losses totaling 31 killed and 81 wounded. While this initial operation was underway, the tractor groups of the Southern and Northern Attack Forces left their staging areas in Luzon and Ulithi on March 25, followed by the rest of Spruance's fleet two days later. On March 26 and 27, Rawlings' Task Force 57 conducted a series of strikes on the Sakishima Islands, primarily targeting Miyako. Meanwhile, after a 250-plane raid on the Mitsubishi plant in Nagoya on March 24, LeMay sent 165 B-29s from the 73rd and 314th Bombardment Wings to attack the Kyushu airfields on March 27, facing minimal resistance as they caused significant damage to the Tachiarai Army Airfield, the Oita Naval Airfield, and the Omura aircraft plant. Other bombers from the 313th Bombardment Wing laid aerial mines in the Shimonoseki Strait. The Japanese responded with a raid on Spruance's naval units using aircraft and suicide boats on the night of March 28, resulting in one LCM being destroyed and one cargo ship damaged. On March 29, Mitscher launched another strike against Kyushu, but poor weather conditions led to only minor damage, with 12 vessels sunk and one damaged. By this point, the “largest assault sweep operation ever executed” had cleared the Hagushi beach approaches in 75 sweeps, with minesweepers clearing 3,000 square miles of coastal waters. The following morning, as Task Force 58 once again targeted Okinawa, Deyo's ten battleships and eleven cruisers advanced to bombard Okinawa's defenses and demolish coastal seawalls with increased intensity. At the same time, the 314th sent 12 planes to attack the Mitsubishi engine works in Nagoya overnight. The next day, LeMay dispatched 152 B-29s for his second assault on Kyushu, completely destroying the Tachiarai machine works and heavily damaging the Omura airstrip. On March 31, back in Okinawa, the final underwater demolition operation off the Hagushi beaches was underway while the 420th Field Artillery Group was successfully positioned on Keisejima, prompting a strong reaction from Ushijima's artillery. That morning, a Ki-43 fighter crashed into Admiral Spruance's flagship, the Indianapolis, resulting in the deaths of nine crew members and severely damaging a shaft, which ultimately compelled Spruance to transfer his flag to the battleship New Mexico. Meanwhile, the frogmen completed their last demolition operations at Hagushi, and the final preliminary bombardment of Okinawa and the Sakishima Islands was executed successfully. By the end of the month, over 13,000 large-caliber shells had been fired in the shore bombardment, and approximately 3,095 sorties had been conducted against the Ryukyus. However, effective Japanese concealment prevented significant damage to Ushijima's defenses. As night fell, a vast fleet of transports, cargo ships, landing craft, and warships navigated the final miles of their long journey, successfully meeting off the Hagushi beaches in the East China Sea before dawn on April 1. While Turner's forces prepared for the landing, a fire support group consisting of 10 battleships, 9 cruisers, 23 destroyers, and 177 gunboats began the pre-landing bombardment of the beaches at 05:30, firing a total of 44,825 rounds of shells, 33,000 rockets, and 22,500 mortar shells. In response, the Japanese launched some scattered kamikaze attacks on the convoys, successfully hitting the transport Hinsdale and LST 884. At 07:45, carrier planes from Task Force 58 and Blandy's carriers targeted the beaches and nearby trenches with napalm. Fifteen minutes later, the first wave of amphibious tanks advanced toward the shore at four knots, followed closely by five to seven waves of assault troops in amphibious tractors. Alongside the primary landings, Major-General Thomas Watson's 2nd Marine Division staged a feigned landing on the southeast coast of Okinawa, near Minatoga, aiming to distract the enemy's reserves in that region. Meanwhile, on the main front, supported by rocket fire from LCI gunboats and artillery fire from Keisejima, a nearly continuous line of landing craft advanced toward the beaches at 08:20. Encountering no resistance, the first waves began to land on their designated beaches at 08:30, with additional troops following closely behind. Within an hour, Geiger's 3rd Amphibious Corps had successfully landed the assault elements of the 6th and 1st Marine Divisions north of the Bishi River, while Hodge's 24th Corps disembarked the 7th and 96th Divisions to the south of the river. The lack of significant opposition, coupled with the rapid disintegration of the untrained 5473 airfield service troops of the 1st Specially Established Regiment under heavy air and artillery bombardment, created a sense of foreboding among the men, prompting them to scout the area cautiously. As before, the enemy's primary response consisted of kamikaze attacks on naval units, resulting in damage to the battleships West Virginia and Tennessee, the British carrier Indefatigable, destroyers Prichett and Vammen, the British destroyer Ulster, the destroyer minelayer Adams, and four other vessels. Returning to Okinawa, after ensuring they were not walking into a trap, the troops began advancing inland while tanks and other support units were brought to the beaches. In the north, Major-General Lemuel Shepherd's 6th Marine Division deployed Colonel Merlin Schneider's 22nd Marines on the isolated Green Beaches and Colonel Alan Shapley's 4th Marines on the Red Beaches near Yontan Airfield. The 4th Marines advanced toward Yontan, encountering only scattered resistance, and quickly secured the objective east of the airfield by 13:00. Meanwhile, Schneider's 3rd Battalion moved through Hanza without opposition, but the 2nd Battalion's progress was hindered as it needed to protect its exposed flank, prompting the 22nd Marines to quickly commit its reserve battalion to maintain their momentum. To the south, Major-General Pedro Del Valle's 1st Marine Division landed Colonel Edward Snedeker's 7th Marines on the Blue Beaches and Colonel John Griebel's 5th Marines on the Yellow Beaches just north of the Bishi River. By 09:45, the 7th Marines on the left had advanced through the village of Sobe, their primary objective, while the 5th Marines were positioned 1,000 yards inland. At this point, it was decided to land the reserve battalions of both regiments, along with Colonel Kenneth Chappell's 1st Marines. With forces arranged in depth and reserves positioned to the right and left, Del Valle's units continued to advance steadily over the rolling terrain as the 11th and 15th Marines artillery units were also being landed. At 13:30, the 4th Marines resumed their advance, facing light resistance on the left but becoming overextended on the right while trying to maintain contact with the 7th Marines. As a result, Shapley landed his reserve battalion to fill this gap, while Shepherd also deployed his reserve 1st Battalion, 29th Marines, to secure the critical northern flank, allowing the 22nd Marines to keep advancing eastward. Meanwhile, further south, Major-General Archibald Arnold's 7th Division disembarked Colonel Frank Pachler's 17th Regiment on the Purple Beaches just south of the Bishi River and Colonel John Finn's 32nd Regiment on the Orange Beaches in front of Kadena Airfield. Both regiments quickly ascended the gentle hills at the landing sites and began advancing eastward. By 10:00, the 27th Regiment had patrols at Kadena Airfield, which was discovered to be empty; by 10:30, the front line was crossing the airstrip. Moments later, it advanced 200 yards beyond, heading towards Cholon. Simultaneously, the 32nd Regiment secured the southwestern edge of Kadena and continued along the road to Kozo. To the south, Major-General James Bradley's 96th Division landed Colonel Michael Halloran's 381st Regiment on the White Beaches in front of Sunabe and Colonel Edwin May's 383rd Regiment on the Brown Beaches at the extreme southern flank. Both regiments moved eastward with the same ease as the other units that day, making significant progress towards Momobaru in the north and successfully capturing Chatan in the south. Additionally, all divisional artillery of the 24th Corps landed early; Hodge's reserve regiments and battalions were successfully brought ashore, and by nightfall, direct-support battalions were in position. By the end of the day, over 60,000 men had landed, suffering only 28 dead, 27 missing, and 104 wounded, thereby establishing a beachhead 15,000 yards long and up to 5,000 yards deep in some areas. Shepherd's Marines paused for the night along a line stretching from Irammiya to the division boundary south of Makibaru, which the 1st Marine Division extended further south to Kadena. Meanwhile, the 7th Division advanced nearly three miles inland, destroying several pillboxes but losing three tanks to mines. The 96th Division secured positions along the river south of Chatan, on the elevated ground northwest of Futema, in the outskirts of Momobaru, and in the hills to the northwest and southwest of Shido. Although there were gaps in the lines in several areas, they were filled by reserve units or weaponry before nightfall. Thus, the Battle of Okinawa, seen by most as the final climactic battle of the Pacific War has only just begun. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As Gandalf the White once said “The board is set, the pieces are moving. We come to it at last, the great battle of our time.” The battle of Okinawa will become the bloodiest campaign America has ever fought. The soul crushing journey has just begun as the Americans end the last stand of the Japanese in the Pacific War.

On Tuesday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack brings you the latest from Munster ahead of their blockbuster Investec Champions Cup last-16 tie away to La Rochelle on Saturday. We hear from Tadhg Beirne on his role in Antoine Dupont's recent ligament injury, plus Mike Prendergast addresses being overlooked for the head coach's job. A season to forget for Rob Baloucoune continues at Ulster. We hear from stand-in coach at Connacht Colm Tucker as they prepare to play Cardiff in the Challenge Cup.

On Thursday's Rugby Daily, Richie McCormack has the latest - and pretty significant - contract news from Leinster, and we hear from Leo Cullen on the influence of their NIQ players. Rob Baloucoune is back for Ulster, who hand a 200th cap to Stuart McCloskey.Andy Farrell's left the door open for his son to be part of the Lions tour of Australia. And Ellie Kildunne reaches as landmark for England this week in the Six Nations, as Scott Bemand previews the Italian test.

Ireland may have been England's first colony but, by the 17th century, Irishmen were carving out their own imperial legacies in India. Gerald Aungier, an ambitious East India Company official, saw Bombay as a new frontier for plantation and trade. Drawing from his family's plantation experience in Ireland, he laid the foundations for the establishment of the legal and economic framework that would define colonial rule in India for centuries. A hundred years later, John Nicholson, an Ulster-born soldier, became a symbol of British military might - and brutality. Known for his extreme violence during the 1857 uprising, Nicholson led savage campaigns against Indian rebels, earning both devotion from his men and horror from his enemies. His actions, once celebrated in Britain, are now remembered as some of the worst atrocities of colonial rule. At the height of the Raj, another Irishman, Lord Dufferin, presided over India as Viceroy. Deeply aware of Ireland's own history under British rule, he feared that Indian nationalism would follow the same path as Ireland's Home Rule movement. So, how did these Irishmen shape the empire that once subjugated their own people? Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, author of Making Empire: Ireland, Imperialism and the Early Modern World, to uncover the contradictions of Irish imperial history. _____________ Empire UK Live Tour: The Booze & Brews live show is going on a UK tour! William and Anita will be discussing the extraordinary history of ordinary drinks such as tea, Indian Pale Ale and gin & tonic, highlighting how interconnected our drinks cabinets are with the British Empire. Tickets are on sale NOW head to aegp.uk/EmpireLive2025 to buy yours.  Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, and a weekly newsletter! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk  Blue Sky: @empirepoduk  X: @empirepoduk goalhanger.com Assistant Producer: Becki Hills Producer: Anouska Lewis Senior Producer: Callum Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices