A brief overview of the historical persecution of Irish artists, singers, balladeers and song writers by the British state and it's crown forces.

In recent news the Irish rap group Kneecap have been grabbing headlines and social media discussions for their unapologetic and unrelenting support for the people of Palestine as well as holding governments around the world to account for their funding and political support for the ongoing genocide we are seeing unfold day after day in Gaza.

To those with an interest in Irish history this is not a new occurrence but a British tradition in this country that goes back to the early 1700s where under the apartheid system of Penal Laws enforced upon us, the Irish saw countless numbers of their singers and song writers heavily persecuted facing imprisonment, exile or the gallows for speaking out against injustices.

Free Palestine.

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One day in April 1903 a young trader named John Flanagan arrived in Clones town with eggs to sell and to pay a debt to the local butcher John Fee. After following Fee to his slaughterhouse he was not seen again until 8 months later his body was found buried in a dung pile.

These are the ballads of the murder of John Flanagan from Clones Co Monaghan.

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This episode we talk a little about folklore and songs about old Irish courting and marriage rituals and beliefs.

Songs:

McBreen's Heifer

Tipperary Mans Courtship

I Wish They'd Do It Now

My Own Irish Rose

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