Best Mountbatten Podcasts (2025)

1
Kincora: Lord Mountbatten, MI5, William McGrath and Tara – the search for the truth 39:04

9d ago39:04

39:04

Kincora was a home for vulnerable boys in east Belfast – but controlled by paedophiles. It was a place where dozens of boys and teenagers were abused. It was run by William McGrath, a leading loyalist. McGrath has long been believed to have been an MI5 agent – and the agency has long been accused of endeavouring to cover up what happened. But perha…

1
The Mountbatten Bandeau, V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide) 14:26

24d ago14:26

14:26

In this special series of Gem Pursuit we put a spotlight on some of the most important Cartier pieces of the 20th century which are currently on display at the V&A museum in London. In each episode, we take a closer look at a different extraordinary piece uncovering its story, design, and place in jewellery history. This is your audio guide to the …

1
Meet the Macrons: ‘Slapgate’, controversies and bizarre conspiracy theories 27:00

2d ago27:00

27:00

Social media became alight this week after French president Emmanuel Macron was caught on camera seemingly being slapped by his wife Brigitte. An awkward smile and wave when he realised the slap had been noticed just fuelled the rumours. The couple, who met when Brigitte Macron was then 15-year-old Emmanuel’s drama teacher, have long fascinated the…

1
Gerry Adams wins his defamation case against the BBC 17:40

4d ago17:40

17:40

A jury in Dublin has awarded Gerry Adams €100,000 in damages. The former Sinn Féin leader won his High Court defamation action against the BBC on Friday morning. It followed a five-week defamation trial. The jury agreed with Mr Adams that a BBC Spotlight programme, defamed him by alleging he sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Fein official Denis…

1
Referees ensure UVF’s Winkie Irvine given lenient sentence for firearms charges 43:44

5d ago43:44

43:44

UVF commander Winston ‘Winkie’ Irvine has been jailed after being caught with guns. He was sentenced to 30 months with half served on license after being caught with weapons and ammunition in the boot of his car. The judge said Irvine’s work as a ‘peacemaker’ meant that the minimum five-year tariff was inappropriate after glowing references from hi…

1
Lucid Talk polling: Kneecap, Sinn Féin, Irish signs and what is a woman 39:08

7d ago39:08

39:08

The latest Belfast Telegraph Lucid Talk polling shows sharp divisions on some touchstone societal issues. Among the issues surveyed in the latest poll were whether rap band Kneecap should be banned from performing at Belfast Vital, assisted dying and the Supreme Court’s ruling on gender and defining what a woman is. In terms of party political supp…

1
Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooches, V&A Cartier Exhbition (Audio guide) 14:29

9d ago14:29

14:29

In this special series of Gem Pursuit, we put a spotlight on some of the most important Cartier pieces of the 20th century, currently on display at the V&A museum in London. In each episode, we take a closer look at a different extraordinary piece, uncovering its story, design, and place in jewellery history. This is your audio guide to the Egyptia…

1
Gerry Adams’ BBC defamation trial: Jury hears final arguments 14:38

11d ago14:38

14:38

A jury in a Dublin court has heard a third week of evidence in the Gerry Adams defamation trial. The former Sinn Féin leader is suing the BBC over a claim made in a Spotlight program – that he gave the go ahead for Dennis Donaldson to be murdered. Gerry Adams vehemently denies any involvement in the killing. Mark Tighe joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted …

1
Martin McGuinness and the story of the Provisional IRA in Derry 28:37

12d ago28:37

28:37

Support for the IRA in Derry grew in the wake of the civil rights campaign – and the authorities response to it and soared in the aftermath of Bloody Sunday. But atrocities such as Claudy Bombing and the murder of Patsy Gillespie, saw that support fall. The history of the IRA in the city was dominated by Martin McGuinness, later a key advocate of t…

1
EXTRA: Kneecap's Mo Chara faces charge under terrorism act over Hezbollah flag 13:18

12d ago13:18

13:18

When west Belfast rapper Mo Chara, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, of Kneecap allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag on stage in London, he didn’t just spark controversy – he triggered a UK terrorism investigation and has now been charged. The group says it’s political policing: the UK authorities says it’s national security. Dave Hanratty speaks to Enda Brady. …

1
Former PSNI officer challenges ‘Sean’ allegations of anti-Catholic sectarianism in the force 30:53

14d ago30:53

30:53

One of the PSNI’s first Catholic recruits, told the Belfast Telegraph he had faced sectarianism, including references to “Fenian b******s”. Despite Chief Constable Jon Boutcher saying the allegations will not be investigated by a court or by the PSNI. ‘Sean’s’ solicitor says he’s standing by everything he’s alleged but has dropped threatened legal …

1
Bryson, McKay and O’Hara misconduct trial to begin in Belfast – Allison Morris reports 29:45

16d ago29:45

29:45

Loyalist Jamie Bryson, former Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay and party member Thomas O’Hara will be standing trial at Belfast Crown Court charged with conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office. All three deny the offences. The charges relate to a meeting of the Stormont Finance Committee in September 2015, which Mr Bryson gave evidence to, durin…

1
Gerry Adams defamation case: BBC vigorously defends its journalism 19:46

18d ago19:46

19:46

The former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is suing the BBC over allegations made in a Spotlight programme that he sanctioned the murder of Denis Donaldson – an allegation he vehemently denies. The BBC were the centre of attention this week as the case against the broadcaster in a Dublin court continues. Sunday Independent journalist Mark Tighe spoke …

1
Skortgate: The ‘totally absurd’ row over what Camogie players wear 22:10

19d ago22:10

22:10

Camogie players have criticised the sport’s association for kit rules deemed as ‘archaic’. Traditionally, camogie players have worn skorts in their kit, but players are now asking for the choice to wear shorts. Following widespread disruption over the issue, a vote is due to take place next week. Are camogie skorts sexist, or just a harmless tradit…

1
Starmer’s “island of strangers” migration crackdown and what it means for NI 23:51

21d ago23:51

23:51

Sir Keir Starmer has set out plans to reduce migration saying high figures have caused “incalculable” damage to British society. He says Britain risks becoming an “island of strangers” without better integration. But what will these plans mean for Northern Ireland? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by David McCann and by Enda Brady. Hosted on Acast. See acas…

1
Gerry Adams accused BBC barrister of trying to persuade a jury he has “no reputation whatsoever” 20:49

24d ago20:49

20:49

Gerry Adams has been under cross-examination in Dublin. The former Sinn Féin leader has taken a defamation case against the BBC. He claims a Spotlight programme defamed him - by alleging he sanctioned the murder of Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson months after admitting his role as a police and MI5 agent for 20 years – Mr Adams denies any knowled…

1
Séamus Ruddy: The Newry man ‘disappeared’ by INLA in Paris 29:49

26d ago29:49

29:49

Séamus Ruddy was 33 when he was abducted, tortured, shot dead and buried in secret in northern France by the INLA in 1985. A former member of the IRSP, His killers believed he knew the location of an arms dump in northern France. The murder became part bloody schism within the INLA that left over a dozen men dead. After an extensive family campaign…

1
Conclave: White smoke and dark secrets, Catholic cardinals are choosing the next pope 24:56

27d ago24:56

24:56

In centuries past, the word 'conclave' meant Catholic cardinals were literally locked away until a new pope had been elected. Today, it's the world that's locked out, as people await the unmistakable white smoke. In this episode, we lift the veil on the politics, power and prayers involved in electing a new pope. Why are phones confiscated? Who rea…

1
Kew Files: Sam McBride on what secret files reveal about David Ervine, Gerry Kelly and the UDA 42:38

28d ago42:38

42:38

Why did supposed peacemaker David Ervine threaten to “bomb the **** out of Dublin”, why did the British Government allow the UDA to be a legal organisation for so long, and what does Gerry Kelly think of claims that he was put in charge of restructuring the IRA? The Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride found the answer to those questions in secret files…

1
17. Lady Pamela's Life Lessons 35:13

30d ago35:13

35:13

From a life shaped by duty, service, family and faith, Lady Pamela shares the values that have guided her through extraordinary chapters of history: unwavering loyalty, quiet endurance, curiosity, kindness, and a deep belief in understanding others. With warmth, wit and wisdom, she reflects on the lessons passed down through generations which have …

1
Meet the ‘freemen of the land’ who believe they are above the law 27:36

1M ago27:36

27:36

A Co Down man charged with raping and falsely imprisoning a woman has been on the run for almost two years after refusing to attend his trial, claiming to be a freeman of the land. It’s “false philosophy that is all too frequently before the court,” is the view of Newry judge Eamonn King about the so-called ‘freeman’ defence. What is this all about…

1
Kneecap: Terror cops confirm 'grounds for further investigation', politicians push for bans, musicians rally 26:34

1M ago26:34

26:34

Rap band Kneecap maintain they have "faced a coordinated smear campaign" in recent days over their pro-Palestinian stance. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch wants the band banned and almost all MPs want Glastonbury to ditch them. Anti-terror police are investigating them. Where and when will these controversies end? Belfast Telegraph reporter Kurtis Reid j…

1
Officials say minister wrong to suggest opinion polls will trigger Irish border vote – who is right? 27:32

1M ago27:32

27:32

The Northern Ireland under-secretary of state Fleur Anderson has said publicly that opinion polls will determine if and when a referendum on Irish unity is called. It’s never been exactly clear what would trigger a poll on a united Ireland – so has she overstepped the mark, made a mistake or actually let the cat out of the bag. And who are this mid…

1
Jewellery of the Titanic: Part II 38:39

1M ago38:39

38:39

The second part of our Titanic special looks in detail at two passenger stories from the disaster and what we can learn about their lives and the time period from the jewellery and other personal items that were recovered from the wreck. www.courtville.ie Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was prod…

1
Austin Stack: ‘The IRA couldn’t admit my father’s murder was sanctioned because of political repercussions’ 32:18

1M ago32:18

32:18

Brian Stack was the chief officer in the maximum security Port Laoise prison, which housed IRA members. In March 1983, he was gunned down by the IRA in Dublin after attending a boxing match – he succumbed to his wombs 18 months later. Austin Stack has long fought for the truth and for justice for his father, meeting with Sinn Féin and IRA officials…

1
Sallins Train Robbery: Osgur Breatnach, a false confession, the Garda 'Heavy Gang', and convicted by a sleeping judge (Part 2) 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

The Sallins train robbery was one of the most daring and lucrative heists in the history of the Irish State. And for Osgur Breatnach, a journalist and activist, it was the beginning of an ordeal that haunts him to this day. He was arrested that morning in 1976, as one of six accused of carrying out the robbery. One week before Christmas of the same…

1
Sallins Train Robbery: The IRSP members wrongly imprisoned for IRA heist (Part 1) 30:52

1M ago30:52

30:52

On the night of March 30th, 1976, a gang of armed men held a family hostage in rural County Kildare and derailed a mail train carrying the equivalent of over €1 million in cash and valuables. It was one of the most audacious robberies in the history of the Irish state—but today, it is remembered for very different reasons. What followed was one of …

1
What is Micheál Martin saying (or not) about a United Ireland? 39:06

1M ago39:06

39:06

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says that he is “not planning” for a 2030 border poll. He’s currently promoting his Shared Island Initiative – which some unionists fear is a trojan horse for Irish unity but others are comfortable with. Republicans have always been distrustful of the Fianna Fáil leader. Sam McBride recently sat down with the Taoiseach, pro…

1
‘Every one of them looks like someone’s grandfather’: Belfast pensioners sentenced for running grooming gang 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

Belfast pensioner Oliver MacCormack has been handed a seven-year sentence for exploiting vulnerable young women by plying them with heroin and forcing them to work as prostitutes. Three other men have already been sentenced as part of the same investigation, the oldest of which being 79. Some question whether the sentences handed out to the gang wa…

1
The National Front, Tartan gangs and Combat 18: Loyalism and the far-right 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

How successful were far-right attempts to influence loyalism and how deep do radical right links with loyalism go today? From the National Front to Combat 18, the English far-right has tried to colonise loyalism but how successful were they? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Aaron Edwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Jewellery of the Titanic: Part I 42:22

2M ago42:22

42:22

We all know the story of the sinking of the RMS Titanic but something that's lesser known is what specific jewellery and other luxury items were on board the most opulent ship on earth when it sank to the bottom of the Atlantic. In the first two parts, Matthew and Alyce look closely at some of the insurance claims made after the disaster, which pro…

1
Rory McIlroy achieves sporting immortality with Masters victory 36:42

2M ago36:42

36:42

On Sunday night at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy defeated Justin Rose in a heart-stopping playoff to win the Masters for the first time in his career. The Holywood man has become the sixth person to complete a career grand slam. In a special edition of the BelTel, Keith Bailie is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Chief Sportswriter Steven Beacom a…

1
Joe Lynskey and Robert Nairac: 'Bodies will never be found’, IRA source admits 24:18

2M ago24:18

24:18

Joe Lynskey, one of the Disappeared, was murdered by his IRA colleagues in 1972 and his body secretly buried. Remains recently found in a County Monaghan grave were hoped to belong to him, but the DNA says no. The finding leaves a new mystery - who was the extra body in the plot, and if it wasn’t Joe Lynskey - then whose remains are they? What are …

1
'Burn them out': The long history of fascism and the far-right in Ireland 34:02

2M ago34:02

34:02

Ireland has long flirted with the far-right – and has had political movements with profoundly antisemitic views. Historian Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc has written a new book - ‘Burn Them Out – A History of Fascism and The Far-Right in Ireland’ investigating the history of fascism in Ireland. He joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…

1
Sam McBride: Paul Givan and the case of the missing civil servant 30:52

2M ago30:52

30:52

A few months ago, one of Stormont’s most senior civil servants vanished. Mark Browne was the top official in Stormont’s Department of Education. But sources have now told the Belfast Telegraph that Mr Browne and the Education Minister Paul Givan clashed over how to tackle what is now a multi-faceted crisis in Northern Ireland’s education system. Ci…

1
SSPX Resistance: Who are the group behind masses Catholic Church in Derry says are ‘illicit’? 23:18

2M ago23:18

23:18

The Catholic Bishop of Derry has warned of “illicit” masses being held in the city by clergy not recongnised by the hierarchy. Bishop Dónal Mac Keown claims these services are being carried out by an ultra-conservative splinter group of the Society of Pius the Tenth known as SSPX Resistance. SSPX Resistance are certainly uncompromising traditionali…

1
Bog Oak 32:37

2M ago32:37

32:37

The third and final part of our St Patrick's series for March (a few days late!). The prevalance of bog in Ireland makes us one of the best places in the world to find the unusual material known as Bog Oak and it makes some amazing jewellery. Matthew and Alyce talk through how Bog Oak is formed, how it has been used to make jewellery and share some…

1
Controversial Ballymena ‘brand builder’ Darren Campbell quits after months of controversy 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

The owner of a controversial Ballymena based ‘brand building’ company has announced its closure. FBA Brand Builder was run by 34-year-Darren Campbell – he charged clients for his guidance on selling products to the US Market on Amazon. The Belfast Telegraph has revealed some questionable practices, including encouraging clients to lie on credit car…

1
Trump's tariffs: 'Brexit means NI could pay more for some goods if we're stuck in the middle of a trade war' 18:52

2M ago18:52

18:52

In a speech on America’s so-called ‘Liberation Day’, Trump accused the global community of stealing American jobs and ‘ransacking’ US industry. The President has imposed tariffs of 20% on goods from the EU, while goods from the UK, including NI, will be subject to a 10% tariff. What do the tariffs mean for Northern Ireland, how has Brexit changed o…

1
Internment without trial: ‘The single biggest mistake that the British state makes in the Northern Ireland conflict’ 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

Internment was a key event in the history of the Troubles; In an effort to deal with increasing violence Stormont and the British Government decided to introduce internment. Almost 2,000 people were interned up until its end in December 1975 – imprisoned without a fair trial. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Dr Peter McLoughlin and by Dr Martin McCleery.…

1
Secret JFK Files reveal how the CIA spied on Irish and British intelligence services 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

The assassination of US President JFK in November 1963 shocked the world and has inspired conspiracy theories for over 60 years. President Trump has ordered the release of classified files from the period, which have revealed that the CIA kept files on both Ireland and the UK’s military intelligence services, despite being close allies. Ciarán Dunb…

1
One year on, Jeffrey Donaldson’s shock resignation and its impact on the DUP 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

One year ago, 29th of March, journalists began to realise that a massive political story was breaking - -the DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson had deleted his website and social media accounts. Then a statement emerged from the DUP, Donaldson had resigned and had been suspended from the party after being charged with historical sexual offences. Jeffrey …

1
Sam McBride: Secret files suggest Robert Nairac was meeting with an informant before disappearance 47:06

2M ago47:06

47:06

Captain Robert Nairac was meeting an informer when he was abducted and murdered, secret military documents indicate. Those files, discovered by the Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride, also show that the Ministery of Defence was desperate that that fact would not be revealed, so desperate that it would rather his killers walked free from court than ans…

1
The MAGA Manosphere: Why are Conor McGregor and the UFC punching right? 30:46

2M ago30:46

30:46

From Conor McGregor to Andrew Tate, why are fans and prominent figures in the MMA and sports-combat world embracing extreme politics? Are teenage boys in the sights of the far right? And what threat does the manosphere pose to society? Host: Ellen Coyne Guest: Dave Hanratty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Flights from hell: Do we need to clamp down on alcohol at 30,000ft? 35:02

2M ago35:02

35:02

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary wants a two-drink airport limit as his airline threatens a clampdown as it tries to recover losses against disruptive passengers. Many of us simply love ‘airport pints’ but alcohol is a major source of trouble on planes. There have been a plethora of incidents involving air rage and disruptive passengers in recent years…

1
Portadown teacher Niamh Farrell denies being ‘GAA catfish’ as she wins an injunction against Dublin school 27:49

2M ago27:49

27:49

Dublin secondary school Coláiste Éanna has been embroiled in controversy after it was claimed online that one of its teachers is the notorious GAA catfish. Teacher Niamh Farrell denies being the catfish who deceived at least 40 people, including multiple Ulster GAA players. But an investigation at the school found that she confided in its principal…

1
How Basil McCrea's career and party ended in utter chaos | NI21 (Part 2) - the downfall 24:00

3M ago24:00

24:00

NI21 appeared to many as a great idea. But the enthusiasm and positivity did not last long and the party’s collapse into chaos was a spectacular one. Just a day before the party’s first electoral test in 2014 – the party decides that they are now agnostic on the issue of the border, it was then torn apart by controversy and infighting. Ciarán Dunba…

1
The Tara Brooch 32:09

3M ago32:09

32:09

A special St Patrick's Day episode celebrating what is perhaps one of the most historically significant pieces of Irish jewellery ever discovered. Matthew and Alyce talk through this incredibly intricate and sophisticated piece in detail, giving an insight into its function and importance in Early Medieval Ireland. We also hear the story of its dis…

1
How two UUP MLAs broke away to find a new 'confident' path for unionism | NI21 (Part 1) - the rise 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

NI21 – A party that sought to change the direction of a century of unionist politics but ended in disaster. Two charismatic Ulster Unionist MLAs – Basil Mccrea and John McAllister - quit their party in 2013 for pastures new. But following a last-minute decision to become agnostic on the border, sexual misconduct allegations against its leader, and …

1
Rosemary Nelson: RUC ‘threats’, Red Hand Defenders and alleged collusion, the murder of a Lurgan solicitor 28:20

3M ago28:20

28:20

Rosemary Nelson died in March 1999 after a bomb exploded under her car. The Red Hand Defenders took responsibility. High-profile clients like IRA man Colin Duffy and the Garvaghy Road Residents’ association had made her a target for sectarian animosity. It was alleged she had been threatened by RUC officers. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by co-author of …

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