On 5 May 1981, 26-year-old Bobby Sands became the first of ten IRA hunger strikers to die at the Maze Prison, changing the course of history in Northern Ireland. In this episode, Diarmaid and Catriona assess his life, his status as a Republican icon, and how he impacted the career of his chief antagonist, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher among others.

On 5 May 1981, 26-year-old Bobby Sands became the first of ten IRA hunger strikers to die at the Maze Prison, changing the course of history in Northern Ireland. In this episode, Diarmaid and Catriona assess his life, his status as a Republican icon, and how he impacted the career of his chief antagonist, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher among others.

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

Bobby Sands, Margaret Thatcher, and the 1981 hunger strikes

On the 22nd of August 1922, Michael Collins was shot dead in Béal Na Bláth, County Cork.

His death at just 31 ensured he would become one of Ireland’s most iconic figures, forever frozen in time.

This week on What Were We Like, we explore the complicated legacy of Michael Collins.

We also look at the significance of the revival of interest of Collins in recent years and the impact Neil Jordan’s film had on his legacy, despite taking some poetic licence.

On the 22nd of August 1922, Michael Collins was shot dead in Béal Na Bláth, County Cork.His death at just 31 ensured he would become one of Ireland’s most iconic figures, forever frozen in time.This week on What Were We Like, we explore the complicated legacy of Michael Collins.We also look at the significance of the revival of interest of Collins in recent years and the impact Neil Jordan’s film had on his legacy, despite taking some poetic licence.

Michael Collins - Part 3

Michael Collins is now one of the most powerful men in Ireland. But events that will tear Ireland apart and lead to his brutal assassination in Cork are already set in train.

In 1921 he is sent by De Valera to London to negotiate with the British on what will become the Anglo-Irish Treaty. With his striking good looks and his fierce reputation, London is gripped by "Collins mania".

But on December 6th 1921, when Collins signs the Treaty, he is said to have remarked: “I'm signing my actual death warrant.”

Within months, a brutal civil war breaks out across the country, and just over nine months after signing the Treaty, Collins is killed in an ambush at Béal Na Bláth on 22nd August 1922. His death remains one of the most shocking moments in Irish history resulting in endless speculation and conspiracy theories on what happened on the fateful day.

Michael Collins is now one of the most powerful men in Ireland. But events that will tear Ireland apart and lead to his brutal assassination in Cork are already set in train.In 1921 he is sent by De Valera to London to negotiate with the British on what will become the Anglo-Irish Treaty. With his striking good looks and his fierce reputation, London is gripped by "Collins mania".But on December 6th 1921, when Collins signs the Treaty, he is said to have remarked: “I'm signing my actual death warrant.”Within months, a brutal civil war breaks out across the country, and just over nine months after signing the Treaty, Collins is killed in an ambush at Béal Na Bláth on 22nd August 1922. His death remains one of the most shocking moments in Irish history resulting in endless speculation and conspiracy theories on what happened on the fateful day.

Michael Collins - Part 2

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.

Bobby Sands, Margaret Thatcher, and the 1981 hunger strikes

What Were We Like

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