The robbery of the Northern Bank in Belfast in December 2004 was both a criminal act and, most observors believe, a political act as it as carried out by the Provisional IRA at a time when Sinn Fein was negotiating on the basis that violent and criminal acts by the Provos were at an end. Acclaimed writer Glenn Patterson was in the city centre on the night it happened. His latest book The Northern Bank Job – The Heist and How they got away it is both a cracking read and a historical document of note. Glenn is this week’s guest on the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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46:42
THE WAR ON DRUGS: Ann Murphy
New mood-altering drugs are becoming available all the time but right now one in particular is eliciting huge concern among health professionals. Hexahydrocannabinol, or HHC as it is known, is widely available to buy over the counter in vape shops. Since it emerged as a serious drug a few years ago, doctors and addiction counsellors have been encountering major problems with its effects. Irish Examiner investigative reporter Ann Murphy has done some major work in the issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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32:57
REDEMPTION SONG: Eamonn Sweeney
Sportswriter Eamonn Sweeney set out to write a book about the GAA championship but succeeded in tackling a condition that had dogged him for nearly two decades, and largely confined him to his west Cork home. He talks about his struggles, his love of the GAA and why he felt compelled on various match days to check out the Orthodox religions and dine on exotic foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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33:55
FIGHTING DISASTER: John Whyte
It’s a long way from the disadvantaged enclave of Rialto in Dublin’s inner city to the rubble and humanitarian devastation of Gaza but John Whyte has seen both. Before joining the UNRWA refugee agency, John oversaw the regeneration of Fatima Mansions that is considered a template of how to tackle disadvantage in this country. Today, as senior deputy director of UNRWA his brief is to alleviate the catastrophe that Gaza is now turning into. During a recent visit home, John spoke to the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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42:53
Fit for Purpose: Cliona Fole
With health and fitness now a central part of modern life, a question arises as to whether gyms are suitably welcoming to women. Journalist and former PE teacher Cliona Foley has written in the Irish Examiner about her own experience and some disturbing research into the whole area that suggests society has a way to go yet. Cliona is this week’s guest on the podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland