Share
Crime World
BEST OF CRIME WORLD: The story of Darkey Kelly - Witch, devil worshipper or Ireland's first female serial killer?
•
Witch, devil worshipper and Ireland’s first serial killer are just some of the titles that have been bestowed on Darkey Kelly over the years.
Born in the 1700s as Dorcus, she ran a brothel on Fishamble Street in Dublin’s city centre.
And while not much is known about her life, the story went that she was burned at the stake for witchcraft after she sacrificed her baby to the devil in 1746.
But in 2011, researchers debunked the theory when they discovered that the sex worker was actually publicly executed in 1761 for the murder of shoemaker Patrick Dowling on March 17th the year previously.
However, a new theory began to emerge that she was a serial killer after a newspaper report suggested that five bodies were found beneath the floorboards of her former broth
In 2022, PHD researcher Shannon Hughes Spence, who has an interest in women, witches and murder, took it upon herself to investigate whether or not Darkey was in fact a serial killer.
Crime World's Clodagh Meaney chats with Shannon to discuss the King of Hell, public executions and the truth about the infamous murderer.
More episodes
View all episodes
Who was the alleged "Irish conman" shot dead in the US?
10:19|The murder of 20-year-old Salis Hanrahan in Philadelphia remains under investigation as his family and friends laid him to rest in his native UK.One month after he was shot dead at a home where he was working, and US authorities alleged he was a member of a criminal gang, mystery still surrounds what led up to his death.Nicola talks to Eimear Rabbitt about Salis Hanrahan.
Killer Molly Martens' new life as a mum-to-be (Part 2)
21:04|In June 2024, Molly Martens and her father Tom walked free from an American jail after serving just four years and three months for killing Limerick man Jason Corbett.In recent weeks, photographs of a heavily pregnant Molly Martens have been published online and it's believed she'll give birth to her first child in late November.Yet again, Jason's children Jack and Sarah have felt compelled to speak out about the abuse they alleged to have suffered when Martens was married to their father and how they fear for any children who might come under her control.Jenny Friel speaks with journalist Lynne Kelleher, who has covered the case since the beginning and produced a television documentary for Virgin Media.
Killer Molly Martens' new life as a mum-to-be (Part 1)
39:28|In June 2024, Molly Martens and her father Tom walked free from an American jail after serving just four years and three months for killing Limerick man Jason Corbett. In recent weeks, photographs of a heavily pregnant Molly Martens have been published online and it's believed she'll give birth to her first child in late November. Yet again, Jason's children Jack and Sarah have felt compelled to speak out about the abuse they alleged to have suffered when Martens was married to their father and how they fear for any children who might come under her control. Jenny Friel speaks with journalist Lynne Kelleher, who has covered the case since the beginning and produced a television documentary for Virgin Media.
Final hours of Irish mum and partner revealed as Spanish police probe jacuzzi malfunction
15:50|Authorities are still searching for answers into the tragic death of an Irish woman and her husband in a jacuzzi in a Spanish villa. Thomasina Tobin and her husband Patrick were found dead in the hilltop villa they were renting near Valencia last week. Niall talks to Crime World's Patrick O'Connell about how a phenomenon known as suction entrapment could have caused their deaths.
Martin 'the Viper' Foley to lose home over €1m debt
21:48|The Criminal Assets Bureau will take possession of Martin 'The Viper' Foley's home next week after a long-running legal battle over a €1m debt.Foley, who is now 75-years-old, has spent his life beating the odds after surviving at least five assassination attempts over three decades.Niall Donald talks to Crime World's Ken Foy about how the veteran gangster's luck has finally run out.
Two Irishmen convicted of killing drug dealer in Amsterdam win European court battle
13:21|Two Irishmen convicted of killing a Dubliner before dumping his body parts in an Amsterdam canal did not get a fair trial, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.Kenneth Brunell and Barry McArdle were serving 13-year prison terms for the brutal manslaughter of Keith Ennis in 2009.Niall talks to Crime World's Eimear Rabbitt about why the court said they did not get treated fairly.
How a career criminal known as 'The Vet' was finally caught with €11m of cocaine
20:56|A career criminal and drug trafficker known as 'The Vet' has been jailed for 13 years after being caught with nearly €11 million worth of cocaine. Michael Murphy was caught red-handed with the drugs stash which was hidden in an elaborate secret compartment in his lorry.Niall talks to Crime World’s Ken Foy about how Murphy had been a key figure in the drugs trade for decades.
When will James English release the podcast with Daniel Kinahan?
18:15|Podcaster James English has assured fans he will start releasing 20 hours of interview footage and audio with Daniel Kinahan this month.English was recently convicted of domestic abuse on a pregnant ex-partner, he says he has interviewed Kinahan for over 5 years.
Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch’s son loses appeal over extradition to Ireland
21:37|The son of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch has lost his appeal against extradition to Ireland, where he faces charges under anti-gang legislation and is accused of being part of a corruption ring involving Gardaí allegedly passing information to the Hutch Organised Crime Group.Jason Hutch has said he has no case to answer, while his lawyer has claimed he was targeted because of his father’s election bid.So, what do we know about the case?