Lines of Enquiry

In County Donegal in 1988, 18-year-old Anne Gillespie was looking forward to a future beyond her hometown of Ballybofey. Despite her close friendships and a tight bond with her mother Annie, after Anne sat her leaving cert she had started to dream of a life of her own.
But not everyone in her life was happy when Anne started to grow more independent - and soon she and her mother would find themselves targeted by a man consumed by rage, jealousy and obsession.
Presented by John Sweetman
Created by Darren Cleary
Written by Anna Priestland
Script Edited by Siobhan Walsh, Sam Hobson and Eoin Brennan
Produced by Sam Hobson
Senior Produced by Siobhan Walsh
Executive Produced by Eoin Brennan
Executive Produced by Ruth Fitzsimons
Sound Design and Editing by Neil Kavanagh
Audio Editing Support by Ed Smith
Marketing Support by Laura Bracken and Róisín Reilly
Social Media Support by Mark Hayes and Robyn Ree
Artwork and Graphics by Eric Rowntree

In Connemara, on a cold winter’s night in 1998, two sisters, Aine and Siobhán Hynes left their home and headed out to meet friends, driving to the disco in the nearby coastal village of Carraroe. The next morning, Aine was woken up by her mother asking where was Siobhán? The 17-year-old never made it home.

In this episode, John explores the harsh and isolated landscape of Connemara, and how fear spread across the tightknit community after the tragic and cruel events of December 6th 1998.

Presented by John Sweetman
Created by Darren Cleary
Episode Written by Siobhan Walsh
Script Edited by Eoin Brennan
Produced by Siobhan Walsh
Executive Produced by Eoin Brennan
Executive Produced by Ruth Fitzsimons
Sound Design and Editing by Neil Kavanagh
Audio Editing Support by Ed Smith
Marketing Support by Laura Bracken and Róisín Reilly
Social Support by Mark Hayes and Robyn Ree
Artwork and Graphics by Eric Rowntree

John Sweetman invites you to join him for a special milestone: the first ever Lines of Inquiry live podcast, happening December 2nd at the O’Reilly Theatre in Dublin.
Across one evening, we’ll revisit the stories Ireland can’t forget—tracking the crucial clues that helped piece investigations together, and the small details revealed in court that brought justice into focus.
John will also be joined on stage by special guests, offering expert testimony and firsthand insight from working on some of Ireland’s most notorious crimes.
Tickets on sale now: https://takeyourseats.ticketsolve.com/shows/873690336/events

As Declan Flynn made his way home in the early hours of September 10th 1982, he did not know what danger lurked in nearby Fairview park on the north side of Dublin City. In the dark shadows, was a gang with a mission. That night, kind and innocent Declan became their unknowing target.

In this episode, John explores the tragic case of Declan Flynn, a vulnerable man trying to live his life in a country where simply being yourself was considered a crime.

Lives of Enquiry is going on stage for our first ever live show on December 2nd in the O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin. Tickets go on sale on September 3rd from www.oreillytheatre.com. To get a reminder, and a link to buy tickets, sign up to our mailing list here: https://bauermediaireland.jotform.com/260255277392057

Presented by John Sweetman
Created by Darren Cleary
Episode Written by John Sweetman
Script Edited by Siobhan Walsh
Produced by Siobhan Walsh
Executive Produced by Eoin Brennan
Executive Produced by Ruth Fitzsimons
Sound Design and Editing by Neil Kavanagh
Audio Editing Support by Ed Smith
Marketing Support by Laura Bracken and Róisín Reilly
Social Support by Mark Hayes and Robyn Ree
Artwork and Graphics by Eric Rowntree

80 year old, Nancy Nolan didn’t answer her daughter’s calls on the 16th of February, 2000. Her neighbour noticed that her car hadn’t moved in a few days. They were worried about her and sent Gardaí out to check in. The Gardaí found Nancy Nolan lying in a pool of blood in her hallway. It was clear this was not an accident.

For locals in the small village of Ballygar, Co. Roscommon, Nancy’s death dredged up memories of another murder nearly 20 years earlier that still haunted the village. In this week’s Lines of Enquiry, John revisits the case that shocked the small community and explores how the impact of Nancy’s death rippled across the country.

Lives of Enquiry will be going on stage for our first ever live show on December 2nd in the O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin. Tickets go on sale on September 3rd from www.oreillytheatre.com. To get a reminder, and a link to buy tickets, sign up to our mailing list here: https://bauermediaireland.jotform.com/260255277392057

Presented by John Sweetman
Created by Darren Cleary
Episode Written by Anna Priestland
Script Edited by Siobhan Walsh
Produced by Siobhan Walsh
Executive Produced by Eoin Brennan
Executive Produced by Ruth Fitzsimons
Sound Design and Editing by Neil Kavanagh
Audio Editing Support by Ed Smith
Marketing Support by Laura Bracken and Róisín Reilly
Social Support by Mark Hayes and Robyn Ree
Artwork and Graphics by Eric Rowntree