Diarmaid and Catriona are on holidays, so RTE's podcast intern, Arran has selected some of his favourite parts of What Were We Like so far. Bobby Sands, The Contraceptive Train, and John Charles McQuaid all feature in the first part of this "Best of" series. Part 2 of Arran's selections will be out next week, and Diarmaid and Catriona return on Monday 31 August.

Diarmaid and Catriona are on holidays, so RTE's podcast intern, Arran has selected some of his favourite parts of What Were We Like so far. Bobby Sands, The Contraceptive Train, and John Charles McQuaid all feature in the first part of this "Best of" series. Part 2 of Arran's selections will be out next week, and Diarmaid and Catriona return on Monday 31 August.

Diarmaid Ferriter and Catriona Crowe bring us on a journey through the hidden histories, humanity and humour of our past.

Diarmaid Ferriter and Catriona Crowe bring us on a journey through the hidden histories, humanity and humour of our past.

What Were We Like

Best of What Were We Like (Part 1)

On the 22nd of August 1922, Michael Collins, the Commander in Chief of the National Army was shot dead. He was just 31.

Almost immediately the myth making around Michael Collins began, starting with the last words he’s alleged to have uttered.

But what is the real legacy of Michael Collins? He was a man who operated as a politician but was capable of ruthless violence.

On this week’s What Were We Like, we talk about Michael Collins, a man that has captured the imagination of the Irish public, film makers, artists and politicians like no other figure in modern Irish history.

On the 22nd of August 1922, Michael Collins, the Commander in Chief of the National Army was shot dead. He was just 31.Almost immediately the myth making around Michael Collins began, starting with the last words he’s alleged to have uttered.But what is the real legacy of Michael Collins? He was a man who operated as a politician but was capable of ruthless violence.On this week’s What Were We Like, we talk about Michael Collins, a man that has captured the imagination of the Irish public, film makers, artists and politicians like no other figure in modern Irish history.

Michael Collins - Part 1

In the early hours of February 14th 1981, a fire ripped through the Stardust Nightclub in Artane in Dublin.

48 people, aged between 16 and 27, die in the tragedy. It is one of the worst fires, in terms of loss of life and significant injury, in the State’s history.

In 1982 a Tribunal controversially found that the fire was "probably caused deliberately" despite no evidence.

For 43 years, the families fought for justice for the 48 people who died and to get answers how their love ones died. This is the story of Stardust.

In the early hours of February 14th 1981, a fire ripped through the Stardust Nightclub in Artane in Dublin.48 people, aged between 16 and 27, die in the tragedy. It is one of the worst fires, in terms of loss of life and significant injury, in the State’s history.In 1982 a Tribunal controversially found that the fire was "probably caused deliberately" despite no evidence.For 43 years, the families fought for justice for the 48 people who died and to get answers how their love ones died. This is the story of Stardust.

Stardust – From national tragedy to national scandal

He was one of Ireland’s greatest and most controversial playwrights. Sean O’Casey’s remarkable life began in the slums of Dublin and took him to the biggest stages in the world, including the Abbey Theatre.

His work caused riots in Dublin and caused protests around the world, from Texas to Berlin to London. O’Casey made enemies of the Church and the Censors, forcing him to choose self-imposed exile in England.

Through his plays, O’Casey asked fundamental questions about violence and challenged the founding myths of the new Irish state. They were questions a new Ireland wasn’t ready for.

He was one of Ireland’s greatest and most controversial playwrights. Sean O’Casey’s remarkable life began in the slums of Dublin and took him to the biggest stages in the world, including the Abbey Theatre.His work caused riots in Dublin and caused protests around the world, from Texas to Berlin to London. O’Casey made enemies of the Church and the Censors, forcing him to choose self-imposed exile in England.Through his plays, O’Casey asked fundamental questions about violence and challenged the founding myths of the new Irish state. They were questions a new Ireland wasn’t ready for.

Best of What Were We Like (Part 1)

What Were We Like

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