Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning
Gold Hat Productions
Recent Episodes
When Pope Francis’s death was announced by the Vatican this week, the world found the words to pay tribute.
From Kings to Prime Ministers to Presidents, everyone reached for the most appropriate tribute. Even Donald Trump was looking forward to the funeral.
But what does the reaction from unionist parties in the north tell us about the loyalist mindset?
On Free State, Dion and Joe look at what the pope, the Irish language, Casement Park and a border poll tell us about the supremacist mindset.
They argue about Micheál Martin’s talk about reconciliation before a united Ireland and wonder what does it actually mean?
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Eamonn Sweeney’s life changed on a June day in the year 2000.
He was a sportswriter enjoying the traditional rhythm of the GAA summer as he arrived at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.
Suddenly he was hit by a bomb and couldn’t put one foot in front of the other.
It was the beginning of a descent into isolation and fear.
On Free State today, Eamonn Sweeney talks about the terror of those days when travelling became a nightmare and he retreated into a cocoon.
He speaks about his new book and how writing it helped to restore him as he found purpose again. It is a story about the community and the power of the GAA
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Are you still talking about Rory McIlroy? Joe has reflected on his comments on Tuesday’s episode and Dion believes his views have changed. Have they? Joe also looks at the uniformity of the celebration and what it tells us about society. Dion sees similarities with Italia 90 but Joe thinks there are echoes of Princess Diana’s death. They look at why all sport requires a suspension of rational thought. There is also more anonymous correspondence about Joe’s remarks.
Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production
For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rory McIlrory ended his quest for the Masters on Sunday night. It was sporting drama which gripped the nation. Well, nearly all the nation. On Free State today Joe wonders if golf really can produce profound sporting drama given that it is ultimately a game of golf. Dion isn’t prepared to defend golf but argues that McIlroy transcends the game because of his inability to wear the mask that the modern sportsman is supposed to wear. And Joe suspects he knows the identity of the anonymous emailer who takes issue with Joe’s comments about the GAA and soccer.
Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production
For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.