The Irish History Boys

In this episode Cormac and Tim discuss Northern Ireland's failed constitutional convention in 1975, producing an anti-power sharing, unionist majority. They also explore the time football legend George Best was taken to court for breaking a promise to marry (yes, really), and reflect on the highs and headlines of Ireland’s 2016 centenary year.

In this episode, the boys dive into the complex and often painful history of integration in Northern Ireland, exploring the 1925 Education Act and its failed impact. They also discuss the assassination of JFK and how without this pivotal moment in history, Cormac would not be with us today.

In this episode, the boy are exploring Ireland's complex history of neutrality. The WWII decision is tackled in response to a audience question, highlighting its "pro-ally" nature despite limited military capacity and post-war criticism from Churchill. Hear about De Valera's controversial condolences on the death of Hitler and a prophetic 1925 call for Ireland to maintain neutrality against aerial war. This episode also covers the UK's 1975 EEC referendum, Fermanagh's changing politics, and the modern New Ireland debate, questioning neutrality's future.

In this episode, Cormac and Tim dive into the turbulent years before Irish independence — asking whether Home Rule could have prevented decades of violence. They explore the origins of the Home Rule movement, the rise of Edward Carson and the Ulster Covenant, and why unionists in Donegal, Cavan, and Monaghan ultimately felt abandoned. The episode also touches on the historic Queen of Denmark's 1975 visit to the Soviet Union, the first royal visit since the Romanovs' execution. Listener questions are answered throughout.

In this episode, Cormac and Tim trace the political roots of the GAA, focusing on how the association maintained its all-Ireland identity — even as the Ulster counties faced unique challenges under a hostile Northern government. The conversation moves to Northern Ireland’s economic reality in 1975, when a struggling British Labour government left the region underfunded and overlooked — an issue that still echoes today. Finally, they break down the UK’s 1975 EEC referendum, a moment of European uncertainty that feels strikingly familiar in the post-Brexit world.

In this episode Cormac and Tim explore Article 5 of the Anglo-Irish Treaty regarding the Free State's debt to Britain. They elaborate on how waving this £150m liability was linked to abandoning Northern nationalists after the failed Boundary Commission. Plus, they discuss Irish Catholic bishops' views on sexuality and marriage in 1975.

This episode, once again drawing inspiration from Irish News articles from 1925 and 1975, explores debates on Irish national symbols and identity. Topics include the 1925 flag (tricolour vs harp) and anthem (Soldier's Song / Amhrán na bhFiann) controversies. They discuss how accents, sport, and symbols reflect identity and division under partition in Ireland and they recall some contrasting views on Ireland's and the UK’s EEC membership back in 1975 with some interesting reflections on how parties have changed their stances on the topic of Europe.

In this episode of the Irish History Boys, Tim McGarry and Cormac Moore dive into the complex issue of Ireland's border, particularly in its territorial waters, with a splash. They explore a 1975 court case involving fishermen and the long-standing dispute over jurisdiction around areas like Lough Foyle, stemming from the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the Government of Ireland Act. The conversation also covers the deeply divisive post-partition split in Irish athletics and cycling, including the story of gold medallist Ronnie Delany. Finally, the boys touch upon the surrender of South Vietnam in 1975 as a notable event from that year. Watch the full episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheIrishHistoryBoysCheck out our other social platforms TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@irishhistoryboysInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/irishhistoryboys/

One hundred years ago, the fate of Northern Ireland hung in the balance as the Boundary Commission convened. Nationalists hoped for significant territorial transfers, while unionists, despite a public boycott, had a man on the inside. Witness interviews, absurd questions about American grain, and leaked reports led to disappointment for the Free State. Turns out, the border was more stubborn than expected, leaving many a little less satisfied and a lot more confused and angry.Watch the full video; YouTubeInstagramTikTok