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The history of anti-Irish racism
The following article appeared as the foreword to Phil Mac Giolla Bháin’s book “Minority Reporter”. There’s nothing new about anti-Irish racism. In fact, some of the language of racism in general can...
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The Cromwellian logic of the Israel debate
The debate about Israel is one of the most stark and heated, if not violent, in modern politics. The rights of Palestinians to life and self-determination are set against the right of the state Israel...
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A history lesson for Iain Duncan Smith
Iain Duncan Smith has attempted to appeal to the Left with today’s argument that the EU and “uncontrolled immigration” has caused a downward pressure on wages. Despite being at the forefront of taking...
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Irish slavery – fact or myth?
There has been a stupid debate going on for over a year now about whether Irish slaves existed or not. Irish historian Liam Hogan has made a name for himself condemning those who talk about the Irish...
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Slaveholders in Ireland
After yesterday’s popular blog about Irish slavery, I wanted to write a short one about another issue with Liam Hogan’s work. Another thread of his work is researching Irish slaveholders. Where he’s...
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Last “whites” of the East End
So, after a great NUJ meeting with a brilliantly ethnic diverse turn-out, I turn on the TV and the BBC is showing “Last Whites of the East End“. Despite being fully aware it would annoy me, I watched...
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19th century Irish history – help needed
I’ve been researching my family for a few years with a view to writing their story. My mother’s family were the Bolands – major figures in the Irish revolutionary movements pre-independence and...
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Reinterpreting the Milesians in Irish pre-history
Irish pre-history is a pain. Because Celtic culture was non-literary, it wasn’t until the arrival of Christianity that Irish myths and legendary history were written down. As a result, a lot of the...
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Manchester talk on Harry Boland
I’m giving a talk on my great-granduncle Harry Boland’s Manchester roots in the Irish World Heritage Centre in the city on 5 June. Tickets are free and can be ordered on Eventbrite.
View ArticleDance music history: Injected with some Belgians (and Germans)
In an earlier piece, I mainly focused on the influences on the UK dance scene. Of course, the UK isn’t the centre of the world and Europe also has a huge dance scene. Of course, you can’t write about...
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