Best Belfast Telegraph Podcasts (2024)

1
Jonathan Creswell, the murder of Katie Simpson and the three-woman cover-up 31:33

1h ago31:33

31:33

Jonathan Creswell was a showjumper, philanderer, abuser, and eventually, a murderer. He murdered a young woman, Katie Simpson, claiming she took her own life. The PSNI initially believed him, despite his previous criminal record, which included assaulting his ex-partner and threatening to put her into a bath of bleach. Two days into the murder tria…

1
Arlene Foster 'roasted' as she's accused of deflecting questions in tetchy day at Covid Inquiry 23:50

2d ago23:50

23:50

Arlene Foster has been accused of deflecting questions at the Covid Inquiry. The former first minister was grilled about her role during the pandemic. In questioning by barrister Clair Dobbin, Mrs Foster said she has “deep regret” over the executive’s response during the early days of the outbreak. Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam Mc…

1
Michelle O’Neill left 'flapping' under Covid cross-examination , Sam McBride reports 20:49

2d ago20:49

20:49

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has apologised for attending the funeral of IRA leader Bobby Storey at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She had long said she would never apologise for being at the funeral. Sam McBride reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Allison Morris: PSNI accused of ‘Stasi’ tactics over keeping tabs on ‘troublemaker’ journalists 23:39

1h ago23:39

23:39

The PSNI had journalists they considered “troublemakers” under surveillance. It’s led to the force being accused of acting like the Stasi. But who was being spied on? Why and how? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s security correspondent, Allison Morris and solicitor Niall Murphy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info…

1
Sam McBride: Covid Inquiry reveals Stormont’s ‘rotten system’ 33:00

1h ago33:00

33:00

The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event all over the world. NI Officials and ministers are now under scrutiny as they appear before the Covid-19 Inquiry to account for the decisions they made. The Belfast Telegraph’s Sam McBride is following the inquiry. He tells Ciarán Dunbar what it has revealed about Northern Ireland’s politics. Hosted …

1
South Armagh IRA: Inside Northern Ireland’s ‘Bandit Country’ 24:33

3d ago24:33

24:33

During the troubles, South Armagh became known as ‘Bandit Country’ - a heartland of paramilitary activity. The Provisional IRA’s notorious south Armagh brigade took the lives of hundreds of people, including British soldiers, RUC officers and civillians, whilst being widely accused of smuggling across the Irish border. Journalist Toby Harnden, auth…

1
Lordship: The murder of Adrian Donohoe and the runaway Co. Armagh suspect - part two 29:40

11d ago29:40

29:40

After the murder of Adrian Donohoe, the main suspect Aaron Brady boarded a one-way flight to America. He had no intention of ever returning to Ireland. His departure instigated an international police investigation that would span multiple years, resulting in a murder trial plagued with dirty tricks and witness intimidation. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
Lordship: The murder of Adrian Donohoe and the runaway Co. Armagh suspect – Part One 27:41

9d ago27:41

27:41

What goes in to catching a garda killer? In January 2013, Detectives Joe Ryan and Adrian Donohoe from Dundalk garda station were tasked with escorting credit union takings across Cooley Peninsula, on the border with Northern Ireland. The men were ambushed and Garda detective Donohoe was shot dead. What followed was the largest murder investigation …

1
EXTRA: The extraordinary life of Stephen Grimason, the journalist and top Stormont Spin doctor who broke news of Good Friday Agreement 40:50

7d ago40:50

40:50

Stephen Grimason was the journalist who waved the Belfast Agreement on our television screens with the iconic quote: “I have it in my hand”. The former BBC political editor Stephen Grimson later became the head of Stormont’s press operations. He passed away last week following a long illness. Last year, Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland Editor S…

1
BelTel Sport: Linfield and Cliftonville set to face off in tense Irish Cup Final 27:00

3d ago27:00

27:00

This Saturday's Irish Cup Final sees Cliftonville play Linfield at a sold-out Windsor Park. It’s set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated cup finals in a generation, however, safety concerns from both teams have led to a security bill of £50,000. Keith Bailie is joined by Belfast Telegraph chief sportswriter Steven Beacom, ex-Linfield manager …

1
Sunningdale and the Ulster Workers Strike (Part Three): Who really won? 30:53

5d ago30:53

30:53

Loyalism stood triumphant. The Ulster Workers Strike succeeded. It brought down the Sunningdale executive, the council of Ireland binned, power-sharing shelved . It seemed like total victory. But was it? In the final part of a three-part series, Ciarán Dunbar looks at the long-term legacy of Sunningdale Agreement and the Ulster Workers Strike – and…

1
Sunningdale and the Ulster Workers Strike (Part Two): The loyalist ‘revolt’ 32:42

10d ago32:42

32:42

Northern Ireland had never seen the like of the Ulster Workers Strike – a rebellion against the state – by loyalists. The strikers wanted an end to the Sunningdale power-sharing executive and everything that went with it. It was mostly peaceful but was punctuated by the bloodiest day of the Troubles – the Dublin Monaghan bombings. In Part 2 of a th…

1
Sunningdale and the Ulster Workers Strike: The forgotten power-sharing ‘experiment’ 31:25

8d ago31:25

31:25

In 1973 the ‘Sunningdale Agreement’ established power-sharing in Northern Ireland, preceding the Good Friday Agreement or Belfast Agreement by 25 years. It even had an All-Ireland dimension. But it met with a backlash and was brought down by the Ulster Workers Strike. In the first part of a three-part series, Ciarán Dunbar explores the Sunningdale …

1
Warrenpoint-based Michael O’Loughlin breaks gangster code by admitting crimes 17:57

10d ago17:57

17:57

Michael O’Loughlin was arrested in Co Down in 2020 as part of a Europe-wide crackdown on organised crime. He was one of the first criminals arrested in the Encrochat hacking scandal. But why is the career criminal now pleading guilty to the charges against him? Host: Fionnán Sheahan, Guest: Allison Morris Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for …

1
Jeffrey Donaldson in court over historical sex offences 13:24

12d ago13:24

13:24

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Lady Eleanor Donaldson have appeared at Newry Magistrates Court to face historical sex charges. He was escorted into the court by the PSNI amid chaotic scenes. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Belfast Telegraph reporter Liam Tunney and crime correspondent Allison Morris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i…

1
Col Tim Collins ruffles Alliance feathers, Irish signs ‘traumatise’ 24:10

22d ago24:10

24:10

Andrew Madden and Ursula Savage join Ciarán Dunbar to discuss the week in politics. Colonel Tim Collins has been in the news after branding the Alliance Party ‘pro-nationalist'. The former soldier will be standing for the UUP in North Down in the next general election. As a possible general election looms, Health Minister Robin Swann sets sights on…

1
Newtownards Falklands and Troubles veteran on the reality of war 21:34

14d ago21:34

21:34

Graham Eve boasts a military career which spanned over 8000 miles. A member of the 2nd Parachute Regiment in NI he witnessed 16 of their men being killed in the Warrenpoint ambush in 1979. His service later carried him to the Falkland Islands, where scenes got even bloodier. The former Paratrooper and gun team commander joins Olivia Peden. Hosted o…

1
Michael Stone: The life and crimes of the notorious loyalist gunman 30:09

17d ago30:09

30:09

Michael Stone is one of the most notorious gunmen of the Troubles. Known in loyalist circles as a gun for hire, he murdered 3 people at an IRA funeral in Milltown Cemetery, west Belfast. Following his release from prison in 2000, he carried out a foiled attack on Stormont which he claimed was ‘performance art’. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sunday Lif…

1
Suzanne Breen on Jeffrey Donaldson’s potential replacement in Lagan Valley 28:48

20d ago28:48

28:48

The arrest of DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson at the end of last month came as a shock to those in the party and beyond. Although he is now an independent MP, questions now have to be answering about who the DUP will stand in the general election. Donaldson’s resignation could prove an opportunity for the Alliance Party to gain a seat in Lagan Val…

1
Middle East on the brink after Iran's unprecedented revenge attack on Israel 22:10

21d ago22:10

22:10

As the death toll in Gaza reaches 35,000, there has been a dangerous spike in tensions across the Middle East. In a serious escalation of the crisis in the region, Iran made its first ever direct attack on Israeli soil on Saturday, sending hundreds of drones and missiles across the desert, the majority of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome sys…

1
The Kew Files: Sam McBride on the secret papers on Peter Robinson, Ulster Resistance and Emma Little-Pengelly's father 25:07

22d ago25:07

25:07

The Kew Files have revealed some of Northern Ireland's hidden secrets on unionism and loyalism. In part 2 of a 2-part special of the BelTel, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to discuss the Kew Files and what they can tell us about Ex-DUP leader Peter Robinson, Ulster Resistance and the paramilitary activity the UK Government suspected Deputy …

1
The Kew Files: Sam McBride and the secret files on Martin McGuinness, the IRA and SDLP 24:55

25d ago24:55

24:55

Thousands of declassified files on Northern Ireland and the troubles have been deposited, not in Belfast, but in the Kew Archives in London. In part 1 of a 2-part special of the BelTel, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride to discuss the Kew Files and what they tell us about Martin McGuinness, the IRA and the SDLP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

1
A United Ireland: Inevitable or a fantasy? 28:11

27d ago28:11

28:11

Nationalists continue to campaign for planning a united Ireland, but Unionists seem assured it’s a pipe dream – where does the truth lie – or is it impossible to say? Is a United Ireland a realistic prospect or pure fantasy, inevitable or impossible? David McCann and Owen Polley join Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…

1
Gerard ‘Hucker’ Moyna: From killing Lenny Murphy for the IRA to IPLO feuds 20:18

29d ago20:18

20:18

Prolific republican gunman Gerard ‘Hucker’ Moyna has died aged 69. He has been linked to several murders – including that of Shankill Butcher Lenny Murphy. He was also believed to be involved in the killing of solicitor and unionist politician, Edgar Graham – as well as IPLO spokesman, Jimmy Brown. Allison Morris joins Ciarán Dunbar . Hosted on Aca…

1
Private Investigator: Ian Withers on tracking the IRA, informing for the Seychelles government and murder allegations 28:37

1M ago28:37

28:37

Globe-trotting Private Investigator Ian Withers reflects on his extraordinary career, from speaking to Gerry Kelly in prison after the 1973 Old Bailey bombing, tracking the IRA’s Hyde Park bomber with a bluffed phone call and being arrested on suspicion of the murder of an exiled politician from the Seychelles. He joins Andrew Madden. Hosted on Aca…

1
Sam McBride and Allison Morris on Jeffrey Donaldson’s arrest and what it means for the DUP 30:32

1M ago30:32

30:32

Northern Ireland Politics were thrown into chaos at the weekend when Jeffrey Donaldson resigned as DUP leader. He’s been charged with historical sex offences, while his wife Eleanor Donaldson has been charged with aiding and abetting. With a general election looming, can the DUP survive this crisis? Allison Morris and Sam McBride join Olivia Peden.…

1
Best of the BelTel: James Mitchell, the Butcher of Glenanne 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

Mitchell’s farm was the base of the ‘Glenanne Gang’, a mix of loyalist paramilitaries and rogue members of the security forces. The ‘Glenanne Gang’ were responsible for up 120 murders including the Dublin Monaghan bombings, the Miami Showband massacre, and scores of other sectarian killings. Martin Breen has had a run in with Mitchell, he explains …

1
Jeffrey Donaldson resigns as DUP leader after being charged with historical sex offences 13:41

1M ago13:41

13:41

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has resigned as DUP leader after being charged with historical sex offences. The Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride explains the implications of this political earthquake to Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Ian Hurst: The Army ‘spook’ who exposed Scappaticci and accuses McGuinness 31:56

1M ago31:56

31:56

Ian Hurst worked with the British Army’s ‘Force Research Unit’ during the Troubles. He later exposed Freddie Scappaticci as the agent known as Stakeknife. Controversially, he also maintains former IRA leader Martin McGuinness was compromised, even claiming he protected Scappaticci. He gives his version of events to Ciarán Dunbar Hosted on Acast. Se…

1
Simon Harris and NI, Sinn Féin heckled left and right 23:00

1M ago23:00

23:00

Tom Galvin and Andrew Madden join Ciaran Dunbar to explain who Simon Harris is and what he might mean for Northern Ireland. And with Sinn Féin being heckled from both the right and the left, we ask what it might mean electorally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Megan McAlorum: Murderer of west Belfast teen dies in road crash 19:28

1M ago19:28

19:28

Sixteen year old Megan McAlorum’s body was found in a Dunmurry forest in 2004 after a night out. Her body was found with 54 fractures to her skull, among other injuries. Thomas Purcell, who claimed to be 16 at the time, brutally killed her after picking her up from a west Belfast bar. He died in a road crash in Oxford earlier this month. Allison Mo…

1
Pat McArt: Derry, the Troubles and Martin McGuinness 33:52

2M ago33:52

33:52

As editor of The Derry Journal during the Troubles, Pat McArt found himself a trusted critic and counsellor to political giants like Martin McGuinness and John Hume. His new book, ‘War, Peace and the Derry Journal’ chronicles Derry’s devastation during the troubles and the city's move towards peace. He joins Belfast Telegraph Derry reporter Garrett…

1
Pearse McCauley: The life and crimes of the IRA garda killer and wife beater 19:19

2M ago19:19

19:19

*A warning, today's episode contains details of domestic violence which listeners may find upsetting* Terrorist, garda killer and prolific wife beater, Pearse McCauley’s long litany of convictions have established him as one of Ireland’s most dangerous criminals for over 30 years. The IRA man made the headlines in the early 1990s for a daring escap…

1
Sam McBride's week in politics: TUV, Reform, Gaza and Biden 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

The TUV have hooked up with Reform UK but what is in this arrangement for both parties and who is Reform UK anyway? And Sinn Féin went to America despite of pressure from the left to boycott the visit, due to US support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Sam McBride joined Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat…

1
Millionaire heiress to IRA mastermind - Rose Dugdale, the renegade debutante 21:20

2M ago21:20

21:20

Rose Dugdale died in her sleep in a Dublin nursing home yesterday morning at the age of 83.She was the former debutante who once curtseyed to Queen Elizabeth, only to rebel against her wealthy upbringing and become an expert bomb-maker in the Provisional IRA. Fionnán Sheehan is joined by journalist Liam Collins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

1
Karney - The Weasel 3:04

2M ago3:04

3:04

My first release of 2024 as I make a return to the Kearnage label under my Karney guise. 'The Weasel' is a perfect showcase of the Karney signature sound, featuring driving basslines, pulsating synths, accompanied by hypnotic grooves & rhythms.Release date : 25/03/24By Bryan Kearney

1
Is Ukraine losing the war, and how far will Russia go? 22:05

2M ago22:05

22:05

Russia’s army has made some advances in eastern Ukraine, forcing the Ukrainians onto the back foot. The pope has controversially called for Ukraine to raise the “white flag”. How bad are things for Ukraine, what would Russia’s peace terms be, and what would life be like in a Russia-ruled Ukraine? Trinity College teaching fellow Conor Daly and secur…

1
Red Army Faction member captured after 30 years, who were the terror gang? 18:59

2M ago18:59

18:59

An armed German terrorist has been captured after 30 years on the run – but the manhunt for others continues. Daniela Klette is one of three members of the “third generation” of the notorious urban guerrilla Red Army Faction (RAF) who had been in hiding since the 1990s. We look at the terror campaign by Germany's Baader-Meinhof Gang, whose members …

1
Karney LIVE @ Subculture Thailand 2024 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Hi guys,This is my Karney set from the recent Subculture Thailand event in Bangkok.For those of you that aren't aware, Karney is my side project that focuses on a more stripped back & techno influenced sound, with less euphoria & a little bit more darkness.This set is full of unreleased music with brand new Karney original material featured, as wel…

1
Eamonn Mallie: ‘Eyewitness to War and Peace’ 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

Eamonn Mallie is one of NI’s best-known journalists. The south Armagh man has been a leading radio and television reporter since 1975, covering much of the Troubles and subsequent peace process. The veteran journalist discusses his memoir with Ciarán Dunbar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Bel Tel Rugby: Ulster decide to wing it, Ireland not feeling so grand and schools are up for the Cup 42:34

2M ago42:34

42:34

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Belfast Telegraph Sport

1
Sam McBride: What will PM Starmer mean for NI and a border poll? 26:28

2M ago26:28

26:28

A Labour general election victory means Sir Keir Starmer, who has a long history with NI, would become Prime Minister. Once in favour of a united Ireland, he’s now strongly unionist – would he rule out a border poll? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Sam McBride and Bill Bowring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Britain’s worst mass murders – what drove the killers? 26:42

2M ago26:42

26:42

Despite tough firearms laws, the UK has seen several horrific gun massacres. Hungerford, Dunblane, and the Cumbria shootings, to name but a few. They were mass killings, carried out by a single man, who finally took his own life. Craig Jackson is a professor of psychology and performs ‘psychological autopsies’ on the mass killers responsible for Hu…

1
Oscar drama: The scandals, snubs and controversies that shook Hollywood 23:03

2M ago23:03

23:03

As Cillian Murphy keeps his fingers crossed for an Oscar win, the Academy Awards looks forward to celebrating its 95th anniversary. However, Hollywood’s biggest night isn’t always without controversy and scandal. From violence to nudity and political protests, we look at the most shocking moments from the Academy Awards history. Host: Fionnán Sheeh…

1
Bel Tel Rugby: A win to start the post-McFarland era, what will Richie bring and a shock departure... 49:02

2M ago49:02

49:02

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Belfast Telegraph Sport

1
OnlyFans: NI 'pornstar' defends her work - but is it empowerment or exploitation? 24:25

2M ago24:25

24:25

Due to the rise of platforms like OnlyFans, Sex work has been subject to a media frenzy in recent years. The issue has long been met with outrage by religious groups and radical feminists alike, who believe that the trade exploits women. But a bill created by the DUP, which made paying for sexual services illegal, has only convicted one person in u…

1
Alliance Party members begin to lean towards Irish unity 28:25

2M ago28:25

28:25

More Alliance members would now vote for Irish unity than to remain in UK. Almost 38% of Alliance members said they would vote for a united Ireland. So has Alliance fundamentally changed and will it be forced off the constitutional fence? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Jon Tonge and Suzanne Breen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa…

1
Allison Morris: Antrim ATM raiders jailed – but where’s the money? 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

More than £2 million is missing after a string of ATM thefts carried out by the same notorious Co Antrim gang. They got away with it for two years encouraging many copy-cat raids. But after robbing an ATM machine beside a PSNI station – they got caught and banged up. But most of the money was never found. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by Allison Morris. …

1
How BDSM fetish chatroom led to mass murder in Fermanagh 22:20

2M ago22:20

22:20

WARNING: This episode of the BelTel contains graphic details which some listeners might find disturbing. Daniel Allen admitted killing an entire family, including two children in Fermanagh in 2018. The Gossetts were a reclusive – constantly on the move to avoid social services. Denise Gossett begun a relationship with Allen after they met on a BDSM…

1
Allison Morris: Supergrass Haggarty's evidence 'unreliable' as UVF man not guilty of Convie & Fox murders 13:44

3M ago13:44

13:44

James Smyth has been found not guilty of killing Eamon Fox (41) and 24-year-old Gary Convie. Mr Convie and Mr Fox were in a parked car awhen they were shot dead in May 1994. Mr Justice O'Hara said it could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt that Smyth was the gunman. Allison Morris reports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa…

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