Podcasts about west belfast

The case of a former British soldier charged with the murder of a man in West Belfast over 50 years ago has been heard in the city's Magistrate's Court for the first time. Patrick McVeigh, a 44-year-old father of six, was gunned down from a passing car on a street corner in May 1972. Our Northern Correspondent, Conor McCauley, has more...

Matthew 9:35-38

Katie, who is in Europe interviewing Holocaust survivors protesting the Gaza genocide, plays a clip from her recently recovered footage (we thought it had been lost) of a live show she recorded in Dublin in July about the connection between Palestine and Ireland. Sadly, it's just as relevant now as it was then. For the full discussion, please join us on Patreon at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-full-124164727 The live show featured Danny Morrison, a writer and former republican prisoner from West Belfast. He was national director of publicity for Sinn Féin in the 1980s and is the secretary of the Bobby Sands Trust. It also featured Asad Abushark, a Palestinian-Irish academic from Gaza and an international spokesperson of the Great March of Return . They co-edited the book A SHARED STRUGGLE: Stories of Palestinian & Irish Hunger Strikers. The Patreon only version features hilarious Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey. Then Katie plays an interview with three members of the London-based organization Holocaust Survivors and Descendants against the Gaza Genocide: Stephen Kapos is an artist and Holocaust survivor; Agnes Kory is a musician, scholar and Holocaust survivor ; and Haim Bresheeth is a historian, filmmaker and the son of two Holocaust survivors. All three feature in Katie's documentary about Holocaust survivors and their descendants working to end the genocide in Gaza. Haim was ARRESTED for saying at a protest that Israel was not going to defeat Hamas. And earlier this month Stephen was QUESTIONED by London police. Speaking of the criminalization of speech when it comes to Palestine, we MUST ALL demand the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident of the U.S. and recent Columbia University graduate who was still living in university housing who who has been abducted by Trump's ICE in what the president vows is “the first arrest of many to come.” Khalil, who was born in Syria to Palestinian refugee parents, was one of the negotiators representing student demonstrators during talks with Columbia University's administration. Sign this petition: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/urgent-demand-the-immediate-release-of-mahmoud-khalil/ ***Please support The Katie Halper Show *** For bonus content, exclusive interviews, to support independent media & to help make this program possible, please join us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thekatiehalpershow Get your Katie Halper Show Merch here! https://katiehalper.myspreadshop.com/all Follow Katie on Twitter: https://x.com/kthalps Follow Katie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kthalps/

Join us in the Queen's Quarter at the former derelict buildings that Anthony and Andrea Kieran transformed into Belfast's stunning five-star boutique hotel, Regency House.Their story intertwines personal histories with The Troubles (including when Anthony was the victim of two bombings in one day in South Armagh), their serendipitous meeting in Washington, D.C., his work for NASA, their decision to move to Belfast, their unplanned venture into the hospitality business, and the peak experience of welcoming President Bill Clinton and Senator George Mitchell to their hotel.Bringing a platter of Belfast Baps for us, Executive Head Chef Michael O'Connor tells of his early cooking experiences in West Belfast, surviving the high-pressure kitchens of London's top chefs, the role of locally sourced foods in driving Belfast's restaurant renaissance, and the challenge of creating just the right menu for Regency House. And he's taken a shot at fast food with his signature Braised Beef Shank Burger—which takes two-and-a-half days to prepare!With a unique blend of American and Northern Irish perspectives, a commitment to personalized hospitality and community investment, Andrea, Anthony, and Chef Michael offer an intimate look at Belfast's past, present, and future, one that's ever more welcoming to visitors.So, join us in the President's Suite of Belfast's beguiling boutique hotel, Regency House.LinksRegency HouseWebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInAnthony KieranLinkedInEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 7; Total Episode Count: 110

Also, 3 years since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine - what does the future hold?

A former Lord Mayor has expressed concern that 'ignorant and damaging' billboards risk demonising the people of west Belfast. Does he have a point? Frank spoke to Máirtín Ó Muilleoir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in the first leg of our “Irish Stew Gets Lost in Belfast Road Trip” in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter at its prime culinary destination Waterman House as we explore the recipe for restaurant success with Chef and Founder Niall McKenna.Niall dishes on his culinary journey from West Belfast, training under influential chefs like Paul Rankin, the evolution of his multiple restaurant ventures including James St. and Hadskis, and the buzz surrounding his Waterman House Cookery School.For Niall it's all about cooking with local ingredients, drawing inspiration from regional food traditions, unpretentious dining experiences, and a staff trained in the art of hospitality.The episode wraps with a deep dive into Niall's signature dishes (later sampled by Martin and John in a return visit) and his gorgeous new cookbook, What's It All About.Thanks to Niall for his hospitality and to Tourism Ireland for their unflagging support of our efforts to share contemporary Belfast stories with our Global Irish audience.Links:Niall McKennaInstagramFacebookLinkedInWaterman HouseWebsiteInstagramFacebookJames St.WebsiteInstagramEpisode Details: Season 7, Episode 2; Total Episode Count: 105

On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls. A ‘curfew' is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls'. The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O'Doherty. This episode was originally published in July 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? Reggie wonders why stories like the 'Beechmount Poltergeist' and tales of ghosts, ouija boards and devil worshipping were so common in West Belfast in the 1970s and 80s.He's long heard rumours about stories of black magic and Satanism being deliberately planted among the local community by British Military Intelligence, but will a man with inside knowledge agree to speak?

June 1989, a family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems hellbent on driving them from their home.Reggie connects the pieces of the paranormal puzzle that he has gathered along the way - what does he think really happened in 1989?Written and presented by Reggie Chamberlain-King Produced by Conor McKay Editor Andy Martin A BBC Northern Ireland Production

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? Reggie reads an article about three journalists who volunteered to spend a night in the empty house, but no names are given – who were they and how did the night really go? Meanwhile, another mystery. An elusive journalist by the name of Tom Mallon - who wrote much of the early coverage of the haunting before vanishing - makes an unexpected appearance

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened? After she hears an interview with the father of the house on a BBC radio programme, paranormal investigator Sheila St Clair contacts the family to offer her support. When they agree to meet, Sheila arranges a visit by a psychic medium known as ‘Cecil'. Late into the night, when it seems that nothing is going to happen - Cecil and his group of researchers suddenly hear a strange sound – and it seems to be coming from upstairs.

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?Reggie recalls a shocking event outside the bedroom window of his childhood home and wonders if violence and fear in the area led to an upsurge in ghost stories.When an old friend tells Reggie a frightening ghost story of her own, it provides an unexpected breakthrough – a chance to reach out to the family.

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?When Reggie learns that a local priest visited the house on a number of occasions, he visits a nearby monastery to try to learn more, but will anyone agree to speak to him? Meanwhile, it's documented that another religious group travelled from County Waterford to offer assistance to the family – what did they discover?

June 1989. A family in West Belfast claim they are being tormented by a violent presence that seems determined to drive them from their home. The local press cover it extensively, neighbours gather outside to say prayers in the street – and the father tells the BBC that he was attacked and thrown down the stairs by a woman only he can see. Reggie Chamberlain-King grew up in nearby Andersonstown. He was terrified by rumours of the haunting, which became the talk of West Belfast – an area in the midst of a bitter and violent conflict. Alongside the real-life horrors taking place outside his house, stories of witchcraft, ghosts and devil worshipping were rife – but the story of a family apparently driven from their home by a violent spirit has never left him. Can Reggie uncover the truth of what really happened?

In June 1989, a family in West Belfast claimed they were being tormented by a violent presence that seemed hellbent on driving them from their home – what really happened?Reggie has discovered that the father of the house wrote a book documenting his family's traumatic experience – but it's out of print and copies are very rare. Over 30 years after the events it describes, internet forums and chat rooms are still abuzz with discussions about the haunting and the book - and full of endless speculation. Finally, Reggie discovers a copy in the special collection of a Belfast library, a copy so rare and delicate it's kept in a protective sleeve and must be handled under supervision – a copy signed by the author. What's inside?

Former-UDA man Jim Spence, who has always denied links with the murder of solicitor Pat Finucane, has sold his £275,000 house in West Belfast and fled to England. Billy ‘Beachball' McCune, not believed to be a UDA member at all, has returned to his home stomping ground after making a deal with the UDA's Jackie McDonald. Newtownards UDA boss Adrian Price has been in court following his failure to stop for a police checkpoint amidst a feud that ripped through North Down. The Sunday World's Northern Editor, Richard Sullivan, reports on the recent dealings of this anarchic terror and crime group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Belfast greengrocer Harry Holland was murdered in September 2007. In an attempt to steal Harry Holland's van, then 16-year-old Stephen McKee stabbed him in the head with a screwdriver, leaving the pensioner to die later in hospital. McKee was given 12 years behind bars for the murder but was eligible for pre-release back in 2016. To the relief of Harry Holland's family, the now 33-year-old has been sent back to prison following his suspected involvement of ‘very serious' reoffending. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seminar - Growing the church in difficult times Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Sutcliffe is joined by Leila Latif and Dorian Lynskey to review Kneecap, a debut film from Rich Peppiatt about a trio of Irish language rappers from West Belfast, Ootlin, a memoir from author and poet Jenni Fagan recounting her traumatic childhood in care and Bad Monkey, a television comedy cop drama set in Florida starring Vince Vaughn. George Orwell's biographer D J Taylor considers the importance, or not, of the author's archive being sold off.Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Harry Parker

West Belfast rap crew Kneecap have been in the headlines from day one, but their Sundance award-winning film has caused angered in some unionist circles because of its £1.6m funding from Northern Ireland Screen and BFI. Today's episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel and originally released in February 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hip hop trio "Kneecap" from West Belfast have swiftly made a name for themselves, most recently releasing their second album to great acclaim. The eagerly-awaited movie Kneecap about the group has won lots of awards in recent months, including the NEXT Audience Award and the Sundance Film Festival in the States, as well as the Best Irish Language Feature Film, the audience Award and Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh. The film, which opens in Ireland next week (8th August), stars Michael Fassbender and Clare actress, Ennis's Simone Kirby.

West Belfast homeless centre forced to close after car rammed into building and threatening graffiti appeared. Stephen and the team get to the heart of the issue.

Host Damian Cole chats with Jack McGarry, the co-founder and managing director of The Dead Rabbit in New York City. From his humble beginnings in West Belfast to becoming the International Bartender of the Year, Jack shares his incredible journey and the philosophy behind creating one of the world's most celebrated cocktail bars. Discover the secrets behind The Dead Rabbit's unique blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails, and learn about Jack's plans for the future.Highlights:Early Beginnings: Jack discusses his start in the cocktail world, working at the Hunting Lodge in West Belfast.Journey to the Merchant Hotel: The transition from local pubs to high-end cocktail bars, and the significance of working at the Merchant Hotel.Creating The Dead Rabbit: The inspiration behind The Dead Rabbit, combining Irish pub culture with world-class cocktails.Awards and Recognition: How The Dead Rabbit became an award-winning bar, including its designation as the world's best bar.Irish Whiskey Focus: Jack's commitment to promoting Irish whiskey and its current market state.Future Plans: Upcoming expansions of The Dead Rabbit, including new locations and innovative concepts like McGarry's.Advice for Aspiring Bartenders: Tips on making quality cocktails at home, the importance of fundamentals, and recommended cocktail books.Favorite Cocktail Stories: Jack shares iconic moments from his career, including making the world's most expensive Mai Tai.Quickfire Questions: Fun and insightful rapid-fire questions about Jack's preferences and pet peeves in the cocktail world.Key Takeaways:Commitment to Quality: Jack emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients, precise measurements, and proper techniques to create exceptional cocktails.Understanding Tradition: He advocates for a strong foundation in traditional cocktail knowledge before innovating and creating new drinks.Irish Whiskey Advocacy: Jack's dedication to promoting and educating people about Irish whiskey is evident throughout the episode.Innovative Concepts: The Dead Rabbit's blend of Irish pub culture and high-end cocktails sets it apart, and upcoming projects promise to continue this trend.Resources Mentioned:The Dead Rabbit: WebsiteRecommended Books:"Spirits and Cocktails" by Dave Broom"Imbibe!" by David Wondrich"Punch" by David Wondrich"The PDT Cocktail Book" by Jim Meehan"The Bar Book" by Jeffrey MorgenthalerConnect with Jack McGarry:Instagram: @jackmcgarry1LinkedIn: Jack McGarryFollow The Cocktail Academy:InstagramTiktokSubscribe & Review: Enjoyed this episode? leave a review to help more people discover our cocktail journey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 3rd of July 1970 the British Army sealed off the lower Falls. A ‘curfew' is announced. Troops go in, searching for IRA weapons. But the use of CS gas, houses being wrecked, looted even, turns the population against them. Four people died. The Official IRA decided to fight what they called ‘The Battle of the Falls'. The army seized weapons but their standing in west Belfast had been completely changed. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by historian Brian Hanley, and by Belfast Telegraph columnist and author Malachi O'Doherty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"My mum suddenly passed away in February. She was from West Belfast, a place I've visited more times than I can count. I leapt on the Belfast St George's market recording as soon as I heard it, I've always loved the accent.  "Clearing her house in May I found a kalimba that she'd bought. I've included it in the piece along with other sounds from around her house. I've found the process of making this piece really comforting."   St. George's Market, Belfast reimagined by Dermot Fitzsimons.

Convicted Killer and West Belfast UDA boss Mo Courtney has blamed on trying to extort cash from a local pensioner who runs an online ‘granny bingo'. Loyalist sources say Courtney ‘fined' the organiser of the illegal online game £10,000 and ordered her to pay him £100 per week protection money. Courtney, who denies any links to criminality, accused the woman of “bringing Catholics” onto the Shankill Road in Belfast. Olivia Peden is joined by the Sunday Life's Ciaran Barnes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Padraig McCrory grew up in St. James' in West Belfast. After starting boxing around 15 years of age, he would have success winning various Antrim and Ulster titles before taking a gap in his 20's of 4 years. After deciding one Christmas to give boxing another go at the upcoming Ulster Senior championships, he would go on to win that title a month later. After missing out on the Commonwealth Games later that year, he would decide at 28 years of age to go professional. Padraig took to the pro game like a duck to water and would soon go undefeated in 8 fights. He would then win the BUI Celtic title, defeating Steve Collins Jr before adding the WBC International title in 2021. Padraig was then given the unexpected opportunity to move up in weight and challenge undefeated Leon Bunn in Frankfurt, Germany for the IBO world Light-Heavyweight title in late 2022. Padraig would give a career best performance to stop Bunn in 6 one sided rounds. Massive celebrations took place back home on his arrival when he arrived home to St. James' with the belt. Padraig then decided to move back down in weight to his more natural Super-Middleweight and remain unbeaten before taking a big step up in February this year when facing Edgar Berlanga in Florida, USA. Padraig battled bravely but came up short against the very talented Berlanga. He talks about coming to terms with the disappointment of this defeat. Padraig talks about his plans for the future both inside and outside of the ring. Could a comeback be on the cards? He has also recently started to manager boxers under "Hammer boxing" and he hopes to pass on his own experiences to look after these fighters in the future.

On this week's episode, Willa and Eric are joined in studio by the absolute legend that is Paddy McDonnell. Paddy tells the lads about growing up in West Belfast during the troubles, his time working as a doorman in Belfast and the time Roy Keane tried to strangle him to death. This is a belter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our host Keith O'Grady is back with this brilliant episode and is joined by a film and Tv Worrier, Locations Manager Brenda Gough, from Belfast. Keith O’Grady is an award-winning filmmaker based in Northern Ireland. He makes fiction films and documentaries, in English and Irish. He has countless hours of broadcast TV experience, having worked on films and series for major broadcasters, including the BBC, TG4, RTÉ, UTV, and CBS. His short drama Jam (2008), won the Writers Guild short screenplay prize. He wrote, produced and directed the award-winning A short film about fear (2014). He produced and directed 'Saving Santa' (2017) which won multiple awards all over the world, and made a series of four documentary films 'An Coláiste Éireannach (The Irish College)' (2015) for the BBC, about the role played by 17th C seminaries in Europe, in saving the Irish language. He made the hard-hitting Tubáiste Bhaile Mhánais (The Ballymanus Disaster, 2010) and the critically acclaimed Bram Stoker & Dracula (2011), for the broadcasters BBC and TG4.  He wrote and directed the recent award-winning short dramas ‘Rian’ (2021), 'A Bitter Pill’ (2022), and 'The Silent People' (2023), and is the current recipient of the Norman Houston Short Film Prize 2024 for his short drama ‘The Silent People’, about a young couple who see an opportunity to get their own back after being made homeless by a seemingly ruthless landlord during the cost of living crisis. Our lovely guest Brenda is from West Belfast, Northern Ireland. She began work in the industry in 2006 in the production department and was capable in the camera dept too. But it was the locations dept that suited her down to the ground, because of her open and outgoing nature. She is  a skilled negotiator, and a people person. She is one of the most supportive, dedicated, hard-working people in our industry, and has worked on some fantastic films and TV dramas over the years, from big-budget Hollywood films to national TV drama. She has also single-handedly raised a family, and treats everyone she meets with kindness and respect. We’re very happy to welcome her to Wrapchat to discuss her career and the journey that brought her to this point. We're absolutely thrilled to be champions for Minding Creative Minds. Their incredible work provides vital support structures for creatives, and we're all about spreading the word. Keep an ear out for our special ad on FNI Wrapchat, where we shine a spotlight on the difference they're making. Get inspired and learn more about their mission at Minding Creative Minds. We appreciate you podcast enthusiasts and film aficionados! If you love what we do – from our in-depth interviews to our diverse educational content and vibrant events – why not join the family? Explore our rich back catalogue of over 200 eps and consider becoming an important and valued member of FNI over at buymeacoffee.com/fni.

Special Rapporteur criticises Irish government on GazaFifteen years ago this month I led a Sinn Féin delegation on a visit to the occupied Palestinian territories. Our visit took place seven weeks after Israel's assault on Gaza between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009. In that attack Israeli forces killed 1400 Palestinians, including more than 400 children and injured thousands more. Schools and hospitals and infrastructure were also targeted. Our delegation was impressed by the resilience of those we met and especially by the medical staff who were working hard to provide a health service, despite Israeli restrictions on medicines and spare parts for radiation and other medical equipment.Lá Breithe Áras Uí ChonghaileÁras Uí Chonghaile, the James Connolly Visitor Centre, on the Falls Road celebrated its fifth birthday at Easter.  Located in the very heart of West Belfast's Gaeltacht Quarter it was opened five years ago by Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins and Labour and Trade Union leaders from Ireland, the USA, Canada, England, Wales and Scotland.I frequently visit the Áras, as it is affectionately known. It celebrates the life and times of Labour leader James Connolly who was executed by the British for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising. It commemorates the key role he played in the struggle for workers rights, the Labour movement and Irish freedom.

Sixteen year old Megan McAlorum's body was found in a Dunmurry forest in 2004 after a night out. Her body was found with 54 fractures to her skull, among other injuries. Thomas Purcell, who claimed to be 16 at the time, brutally killed her after picking her up from a west Belfast bar. He died in a road crash in Oxford earlier this month. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Northern Ireland was once a land divided by symbols. Since Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little Pengelly became First Minister and deputy First Minister it is a place energised by them.On Free State, Joe and Dion look at the leadership shown by O'Neill and Little Pengelly and how those like the Allosaurus (Jim Allister) are on the brink of extinction.When Little Pengelly visited St Paul's GAA club in West Belfast, it was not just an important gesture, to those who know the history of the area and the club, it was sign that the past is now the past.To face the future with hope and optimism, it's important to deal with the past with fearless honesty which is why Joe feels it is important to be more like David Trimble and less like Andrew Trimble.Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Jim Larkin. In this two-part special, Ronan Burtenshaw (author of a recent piece exploring Larkin for Jacobin magazine) joins me to discuss this important and divisive revolutionary figure. Larkin in Dublin means 1913, but where did he come from? This story brings us from Liverpool Cathedral to the streets of West Belfast. Ronan's piece: https://jacobin.com/2024/01/jim-larkin-ireland-labor-150) 

Welcome to this weeks show.  I might mention balladfest once or twice and of course I play the finest of Irish Rebel music. 

West Belfast rap crew Kneecap have been in the headlines from day one, but their Sundance award-winning film has caused angered in some unionist circles because of its £1.6m funding from Northern Ireland Screen and BFI. Today's episode of The Indo Daily is brought to you by our sister podcast, The BelTel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

West Belfast group Kneecap regularly court controversy – but is that just part of their act? Singing mostly in Irish about drugs, the DUP and social exclusion the band have made a film about themselves starring Michael Fassbender. It has attracted rave reviews, but some victims of republican violence perceive the band to be glorifying republicanism. But what's the band really about? Niamh Campbell is joined by Liam Tunney and Dave Hanratty while Olivia Peden spoke to ex-PSNI officer Jon Burrows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eamonn McCann talks to Eamon about the campaign to get justice for ten people murdered by the British Army in West Belfast in 1971, and what Boris Johnson's response to this week's findings can tell us about the British attitude to Northern Ireland.Originally posted on 13th May 2021 Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-stand-with-eamon-dunphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hear from Allison Morris, crime correspondent with the Belfast Telegraph

Kevin Conway, originally from the Lurgan area, was shot dead in Belfast on 9th January. Linked to ‘The Firm' he was one of three men charged in relation to the murder of Shane Whitla in Lurgan in January 2023. The area has seen several high-profile assassinations in recent years linked to a single dissident republican gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1972, 37-year-old widow, Jean McConville was dragged from her West Belfast flat by the IRA. She was shot and buried. Her children have never stopping seeking justice for Jean. Today's Indo Daily hears more about the mystery of what happened to Jean McConville. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Catherine Fegan. First Published: 26th July 2023. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Lauren tells us about how she first began coming to Canada as a child in the summertime to visit family who had moved here before permanently relocating here after finishing her university degree. Unlike many previous guests on this podcast, Lauren emigrated to Canada with her parents and her sister, as well as her then boyfriend, now husband, Brian. I had the privilege of attending the wedding of Lauren and Brian in August of last year and although it took place in a barn in rural Ontario, I felt like I was in the heart of West Belfast. As you will hear during the episode, Lauren and Brian's dog, Millie, becomes the star of the show. Upset at not receiving the attention she deserves, she rightfully plants herself in the middle of myself and Lauren, demanding that we instantly stop ignoring her and play a game of tug. Brian is forced to remove her, not once but twice from the room. I was going to remove all of this but I think that would be unfair to Millie, she is the center of attention in the Curran household. Lauren is a Registered Psychotherapist here in Canada and we speak a lot about the different approaches to mental health in Ireland and in Canada. I am sure this particular part of the conversation will be of great help to a lot of people.  I would still encourage people to download the episodes and to share them with friends and family. Downloads are the easiest indicator for me to gauge how many people I am reaching with these conversations so I would really appreciate it. 

Slán ShaneShane MacGowan was a friend of West Belfast. Back in 1988 in the wake of the killings of IRA Volunteers Mairead Farrell, Dan McCann and Sean Savage in Gibraltar, and the killing of other citizens at their funerals and the killing also of IRA Volunteer Kevin McCracken in Turf Lodge this community was subjected to a vicious full frontal tsunami of vilification on the back of decades of demonisation and discrimination.Connolly House - End of an Era.Sinn Féin' Connolly House in Andersonstown is now to close. A new constituency office has been opened for Órlaithí Flynn MLA in the row of shops just below Casement Park and opposite The White Fort. The lies of WarIsrael's genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people recommenced last week. The deliberate murder of hundreds of Palestinian civilians and the industrial scale destruction of Palestinian homes, schools, hospitals and refugee camps is about the expulsion of the Palestinian people from Gaza.

PART 2 OF 2PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A RATING TO HELP THE SHOW CONTINUE TO GROW Glenn Bradley was born 1967 in West Belfast and grew up in the loyalist Woodvale area. He is a former soldier, one-time politician and a made-good businessman. Today, Glenn is Chair of Veterans For Peace Ireland and a Board Member of the Belfast Charitable Society. He remains an unapologetic Irish peace processor.In the second half of our interview I asked Glenn about how he as an Irishman was viewed/treated in the British army and Glenn recalls an incident when he was asked to leave a pub in England because he was Irish despite being a serving British soldier. Glenn shared his thoughts on the degree to which collusion occurred between British security forces and why he is of the opinion that collusion could not have been as rife as it is often alleged to be. The most important aspect of Glenn's story however is his eventual turning away from violence as a form of conflict resolution and complete disillusionment with violent means. Glenn talked us through the internal process of becoming a peace advocate and his work towards a peaceful Northern Ireland. Glenn describes his internal process of moving away from the mentality of military life and dealing with PTSD as a veteran of a bloody conflict. ***TIMSETAMPS*** 00:00 Soldiers from mainland UK- how good of an understanding did they have of the conflict in N.I 8:30 Did the mainland UK soldiers consider N.I people to be British & how Irish soldiers were treated in the british 13:15 British Army collusion w/ loyalists ??19:00 When did Glen start to become disillusioned with violence (after his uncle's horrific murder) 34:10 Being an independent thinker in the army38:10 Life post-Army44:00 PTSD 57:00 People's reaction when Glenn tells them he's a former soldier 

Glenn Bradley was born 1967 in West Belfast and grew up in the loyalist Woodvale area. He is a former soldier, one-time politician and a made-good businessman. Today, Glenn is Chair of Veterans For Peace Ireland and a Board Member of the Belfast Charitable Society. He remains an unapologetic Irish peace processor.I was  eager pick Glenn's brain about what it was like to grow up surrounded by the violence of "the troubles" conflict that began when he was a small child and particularly about the years of his youth spent in the army before he became completely disillusioned with violence after experiencing it's futility firsthand. Glenn told me about his childhood in a staunchly loyalist area of Belfast during one of Ireland's bloodiest times including when he was injured by a no-warning IRA bomb at the age of 5. We also spoke about a particularly horrific incident during the Bobby Sands riots when his schoolbus was petrol-bombed by a republican mob. Glenn would eventually join the British Army, a time in his life that he has made sure not to let define him and I was fascinated to get his insight on the soldiering of N.I.I asked about the daily realities of being a soldier during this period, what it feels like to be in a shootout with paramilitaries and how The British Army viewed the IRA and Loyalists. Glenn also explained the mindset of a trained soldier in terms of how they were trained to view their enemies/opponents.PART 2 COMING SOON ( We discussed more of Glenn's military days and how he would eventually become  entirely disillusioned with violence.)00:00 Intro & growing up in troubles-era Woodvale area6:05 Injured by IRA bomb at 5 years old13:25 How realistic was Irish reunification as a possibility in the minds of unionist people at the time?17:45 View of the RUC in the area? 20:35 How did Glen view British soldiers in the streets?22:55 GLEN'S SCHOOLBUS PETROL-B*MBED (day of Bobby Sands death) 26:16 How were loyalist paramilitaries viewed by the community in his area? 32:35 Joining British Army instead of Loyalist paramilitaries 43:00 Where was Glen 46:50 Shoot-outs with the IRA50:15 How competent did British troops consider the IRA 53:35 Any clashes w/ Loyalists 55:10 Soldiers from mainland UK- how good of an understanding did they have of the conflict in N.I 

Máiría Cahill joined Brendan to talk about the complexities and contradictions of growing up in West Belfast in a republican family, the IRA's involvement in her life following childhood sexual abuse and why she chose to speak out.

Yumz is joined by West Belfast's Bronagh Diamond, one of the best up and coming comedians and host of the Word Up! podcast.To hear this episode fresh each week (along with the Bonus Questions episode) sign up at patreon.com/deckchairandyumz

The story of how Philly McMahon became an All-Ireland Champion eight times, is more than just that of hard work and determination. His story began with his father - Phil – a man who at the age of 16 was shot by British soldiers in his home of West Belfast and who spent more than 30 years on the run. Host: Fionnán Sheahan Guest: Philly McMahon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1972, 37-year-old widow, Jean McConville, was dragged from her West Belfast flat by the IRA. She was shot and buried. Next month is the 20th anniversary since her remains were discovered, and her children have never stopping seeking justice for Jean. Today's Indo Daily hears more. Host: Siobhán Maguire. Guest: Catherine Fegan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Jenkins is a 30-year-old self-taught chef from West Belfast and the owner of ROAM: an award-winning restaurant in Belfast city centre. In today's episode we talk about: Stumbling into hospitality at 19-years-old How he went from peeling vegetables to owning an award-winning restaurant Where the name ROAM comes from Why he chose (and loves) his Callendar Street location What it was like to watch his dad winning an Oscar And advice he would give to himself if he was doing it all over again. Check it out! // https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/ryan-jenkins //