What Were We Like
History
About
Diarmaid Ferriter and Catriona Crowe bring us on a journey through the hidden histories, humanity and humour of our past.
Episodes
- The History of The Tricolour (Part 2)
This episode details the history of Ireland's Tricolour flag, focusing on its significance during O'Donovan Rossa's funeral and the Easter Rising. It covers how Sinn Féin's propaganda and British reactions contributed to the Tricolour's as…
- The History of The Tricolour (Part 1)
This episode traces the early origins of the Irish Tricolour, beginning with its controversial appearance on Irish streets and delving into its history, including how Thomas Francis Meagher received a prototype flag.
- A President Comes to Town - Reagan in Ireland
Hosts Diarmaid and Catriona discuss Ronald Reagan's 1984 visit to Ireland, focusing on the public opposition to his foreign policy. They detail the protests and unusual incidents surrounding the event, including personal reflections from C…
- Fianna Fáil: "The Devil" Takes Power (Part 3)
This episode details Fianna Fáil's rise to power in 1932, following a brutal election campaign. Despite facing insults and international criticism, the party, led by "Dev," reshaped Irish politics by dismantling the Treaty and enacting a n…
- Fianna Fáil: Take your seats, but no drinking in the Dáil bar (Part 2)
Part 2 of this episode covers Fianna Fáil's entry into Leinster House in 1927, addressing the oath to the King of England with a bishop's letter and Sean Lemass's subsequent ban on alcohol in the Dáil bar.
- Fianna Fáil: Hard Men and Blood Sacrifices (Part 1)
This episode explores the foundation of Fianna Fáil by Eamon De Valera and its rise as a dominant political force in Ireland. It examines how the party, once synonymous with power and influence, evolved from its early days into a major ele…
- Political insults: F*ck you Deputy Stagg, F*CK YOU! (Part 2)
This episode, the second of a two-part series, explores historical political insults within the Irish Dáil, referencing specific incidents and critiques from the archives.
- Political insults: From Communist to corner boy (Part 1)
Diarmaid Ferriter and Catriona Crowe explore historical Irish political insults in the first part of this series, focusing on the Civil War era. They discuss derogatory terms and accusations made against political figures.
- Ep 5 - Vision, symbolism and the Presidencies of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese
This episode of 'What Were We Like' explores the presidencies of Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, examining how their visions aligned with contemporary events. Key moments discussed include Mary Robinson's 1992 trip to Somalia and Mary McA…
- Ep 4 - Campaigns, characters and controversies (Part 2)
In this episode of What Were We Like?, hosts Diarmaid and Catriona explore historical political events, including Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh’s offer to Tiede Herrema and Garrett Fitzgerald and Noël Browne being considered for the 1990 Presidentia…
- Ep 3 - Campaigns, characters and controversies (Part 1)
Diarmaid and Catriona discuss historical events such as Douglas Hyde's removal by the GAA, the controversy surrounding Muhammad Ali's visit, and Eamon De Valera's election struggles.
- Ep 2 - Brian Lenihan, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, and the two most important powers the President has
In this episode of 'What Were We Like?', hosts Diarmaid and Catriona examine the two most significant powers of the Presidency, referencing the resignations of Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh and Brian Lenihan's 'mature recollection'.
- Ep 1 - What can the President actually do?
This episode explores the origins and powers of the Irish Presidency, discussing Eamon de Valera's role and the actual capabilities of the office.
- Preview with Diarmaid Ferriter and Catriona Crowe
Diarmaid Ferriter and Catriona Crowe explore the hidden histories, humanity, and humor of the past. This mini-series focuses on the history of the presidency as Ireland prepares to elect a new Uachtarán.