In this special recording, What Were We Like appears before a live audience at this year's Listowel Writers Week, to discuss the 1926 census. Diarmaid and Catriona talk about what the census tells us about Irish society in the early part of the 20th century - both in Kerry, and in Ireland in general. Catriona takes umbrage at the performance of Garda Daniel Rooney, who was responsible for some of the less-than-impressive record keeping at the time. But nonetheless, the census provides a remarkable insight into Ireland back then - and a great opportunity for us to snoop on our neighbours.

In this special recording, What Were We Like appears before a live audience at this year's Listowel Writers Week, to discuss the 1926 census. Diarmaid and Catriona talk about what the census tells us about Irish society in the early part of the 20th century - both in Kerry, and in Ireland in general. Catriona takes umbrage at the performance of Garda Daniel Rooney, who was responsible for some of the less-than-impressive record keeping at the time. But nonetheless, the census provides a remarkable insight into Ireland back then - and a great opportunity for us to snoop on our neighbours.

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

The 1926 Census - LIVE at Listowel Writers Week

During his short life from 1923 to 1964, Dubliner Brendan Behan achieved both fame and infamy, both at home and abroad, on the back of his writing talents and his very public battle with alcoholism.

Today we want to talk about one of Ireland’s greatest writers Brendan Behan who continues to have a massive influence on Irish culture today.

In November 1946, Behan, aged just 16, arrived in Liverpool with a suitcase of explosives, declaring: ‘My name is Brendan Behan. I came over here to fight for the Irish Workers’ and Small Farmers’ Republic, for a full and free life, for my countrymen, North and South, and for the removal of the baneful influence of British Imperialism from Irish affairs. God save Ireland.’

This set off an extraordinary chain of events that would lead Behan to becoming a global celebrity because of his wit and writings, from The Quare Fellow to the Hostage to The Borstal Boy.

Behan was a heavy drinker and prone to self destructive heavy drinking. A lifelong battle with alcoholism came to an end when Brendan Behan died on the 20 March 1964. However, he left behind an incredible legacy and one was of Dublin’s last great characters.

During his short life from 1923 to 1964, Dubliner Brendan Behan achieved both fame and infamy, both at home and abroad, on the back of his writing talents and his very public battle with alcoholism.Today we want to talk about one of Ireland’s greatest writers Brendan Behan who continues to have a massive influence on Irish culture today.In November 1946, Behan, aged just 16, arrived in Liverpool with a suitcase of explosives, declaring: ‘My name is Brendan Behan. I came over here to fight for the Irish Workers’ and Small Farmers’ Republic, for a full and free life, for my countrymen, North and South, and for the removal of the baneful influence of British Imperialism from Irish affairs. God save Ireland.’This set off an extraordinary chain of events that would lead Behan to becoming a global celebrity because of his wit and writings, from The Quare Fellow to the Hostage to The Borstal Boy.Behan was a heavy drinker and prone to self destructive heavy drinking. A lifelong battle with alcoholism came to an end when Brendan Behan died on the 20 March 1964. However, he left behind an incredible legacy and one was of Dublin’s last great characters.

Brendan Behan – Dublin's Wild Literary Genius

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.

The 1926 Census - LIVE at Listowel Writers Week

What Were We Like

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