The Irish Passport

In this third instalment in our Oscar Wilde series, we take a closer look at how definitions and understandings of sexuality changed during Wilde's lifetime, and how same-sex relationships fit into the Victorian worldview. We also delve into Wilde's toxic relationship with Bosie, a.k.a Lord Alfred Douglas, and how his infatuation with this cruel and exacting figure fed into his ultimate downfall.

Patreon supporters enjoy early access to this episode. To gain access to 100s of extra-content episodes plus video episodes, join up and support the podcast at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport.com

Naomi and Tim report on the recent unrest in France, and explain the grievances that have led to historic demonstrations and, in some cases, scenes of violence and arson that have shocked the world.

A video version of this episode is available for Patreon subscribers at the Citizen tier and above. Sign up to support the podcast at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport.

Naomi and Tim explain the Drumcree conflict and why the aspirations of the Orange Order to march through the Catholic neighbourhood of the Garvaghy Road are so laden with history.

Patreon supporters can watch this episode in video format on https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport

It's been a spicy few weeks in politics: Ireland was blindsided by an unexpected endorsement of Irish unity by United States President Donald Trump while on a visit to the country. Meanwhile the pro-independence parties of Scotland and Wales signed a cooperation agreement with Sinn Féin, agreeing common interests and to share strategy, including regarding the European Union. Regarding which - is Canada about to be the newest member? Naomi and Tim discuss it all in this latest episode.

The video version of this podcast is available for Patreon supporters over at www.patreon.com/theirishpassport - come and check it out!

In the latest installment of our Oscar Wilde series, Naomi and Tim discuss Oscar Wilde's move to Oxford, ascent as a star student, and launch in London to become one of the most famous figures of his day -- a kind of Victorian-era influencer. This is a period in which Wilde begins to emerge is a writer: of beautiful fables to be read to children, and of his book Dorian Gray, which would cause a scandal in London.

Patreon subscribers enjoy early access to this episode. A bonus Halfpint episode all about Dorian Gray and its hidden meanings is available on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport/posts/halfpint-dorian-166685376

Before the world knew Oscar Wilde, Ireland knew Oscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde: the son of a famous nationalist poet mother and a pioneering surgeon who grew up at the heart of Ireland's cultural renaissance of the 19th century, between Dublin and famine-ravaged County Mayo.

We discuss how Ireland shaped the budding writer and how Irish politics and the context of the time are key to understanding who he was.

This is the first episode in a series dedicated to Wilde, a fascinating and pivotal figure for Ireland and the wider world, made available early for Patreon supporters.

A bonus episode is available over on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport/posts/halfpint-irish-163604289

Last week footage of a shocking stabbing in Belfast went viral. After it emerged that the perpetrator was an asylum seeker originally from Sudan, protests were called that soon devolved into a racist pogrom. Gangs of young men created checkpoints, burnt out cars, and set fire to the homes of people suspected to be migrants.

An old friend of the podcast, Matthew O'Toole, got a frontline view to the impact. The constitutency office he now runs as an elected official for the SDLP was converted into a temporary shelter for families fleeing their burning homes. He drove a family in the back of his car to safety in a convoy through Belfast as the violence still raged.

Thanks to longtime listener James and to supporter Kathy for suggesting the topic. This is a bonus episode made specially to thank Patreon supporters - due to the urgency of the topic, we've decided to make this one public. You can find our full collection of bonus episodes here: https://www.patreon.com/theirishpassport

Granuaile or Grace O'Malley: a woman chieftain in 16th century Ireland who ruled the seas with a fleet of ships and was both respected and deeply feared.

Daughter of the seafaring Ó Máille Gaelic clan, Gráinne carved out a position of power for herself at a time when there was little recent precedent for doing so.

She found herself contending with the encroachment of English invaders, and ended up sailing to London to plead her case directly to Queen Elizabeth I - and she won.

Naomi and Tim delve into the remarkable life of Granuaile - the myths, the legends, but also first-hand historical accounts she and her contemporaries left behind - to chart a career that encapsulates the final days of Gaelic Ireland.

A Halfpint bonus debrief is available on Patreon discussing how while written history forgot Granuaile, she was kept alive by oral and cultural traditions that made her an enduring symbol of Irish defiance. https://www.patreon.com/posts/halfpint-debrief-158088547

Recommended reading: Grace O'Malley : The Biography of Ireland's Pirate Queen 1530-1603 by Anne Chambers, to whom we are much indebted for research that allowed for the making of this episode.

This month marks the official start of spring in Ireland and to mark it Naomi and Tim discuss the figure of Bridget, Brigid or Bríd. A goddess in Gaelic times who became Christianised into Saint Bridget, the stories about this figure reveal fascinating details about the society that produced them.

A bonus Halfpint debrief episode is available here for Patreon supporters: www.patreon.com/posts/halfpint-debrief-151451289

Here are links to some podcasts we mentioned in the episode that have delived into Bridget and her legacy in Ireland:

The Irish History Podcast: open.spotify.com/episode/7frXuuvc…bERYSyD5yP-crldw

Talking History: open.spotify.com/episode/7LY4tBxJ…l0SuqBjCppl0miww

In this listener questions episode, Naomi and Tim take questions from listeners on everything from Gaelic Ulster, to nomadic patterns of land use, and the quirks of Ireland's postal system.

We discuss the long tail of an old law that forced women to quit their jobs as soon as they married. Tim tells the story of the supermarket workers who refused to handle goods from apartheid South Africa, and how they are still remembered today.

Listener questions episodes are made to answer the queries and suggestions of Patreon supporters who back us at the €5 level or above. We will release this one publicly in the coming days to let non-subscribers know about what they're missing.

Patreon has introduced gift memberships for the first time this year. So if you know someone who would love access to 100+ bonus episodes of the Irish Passport, you know what to do! A guide to how to get a gift membership is here: https://support.patreon.com/hc/en-us/articles/31344987943949-How-to-gift-memberships-to-other-fans

Thanks so much to all of you and a big shout out to those listeners who sent in their questions. We'll do another listener questions episode soon!