As Israel commits war crimes in Gaza, can anyone persuade the country’s government to stop the slaughter? On part 2 of this week’s Free State, Joe and Dion recall their own trips to Israel and their experiences in the country. It is a land where fundamentalism, hatred and fear have twisted all hopes for a peaceful existence. Within the country there are voices, even after the horrors of October 7th, calling for restraint. The Hamas slaughter was their 9/11 but the lesson from history is that a n...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 38
The Israeli government - emboldened by politicians in the west - is committing war crimes. Gaza is a human catastrophe where the horrors will echo through history. There is a primal need within so many Israelis for action to avenge the horrific massacre of the innocents by Hamas. But how is the cycle of violence broken? In the bloodlust for revenge, sane voices in Israel and around the world are being drowned out. On the first part of a two-part Free State this week, Joe and Dion look at how ang...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 37
In the second part of 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service', Peter Taylor discusses the attempts of the British establishment to censor & intimidate him. He describes the central importance of the hunger strike and how it changed everything. He recalls a day spent locked in a cell in the dreaded H Blocks with a young Eamonn McDermott & marvelling at his book collection. “How can an IRA man read Tolstoy & Hardy?” he asked. “An IRA man is just a man like any other” said McDermott. He takes...
Oct 12, 2023•31 min•Ep. 36
Late in the night following Bloody Sunday, a young reporter arrived in Derry. ‘If you want to know what’s going on here,’ John Hume told him, ‘he’s the person you should be talking to you. He’s called Martin McGuinness’. It was the first time this young reporter called Peter Taylor had heard the name. For 50 years Taylor made establishing the truth in the north his goal. He talked to everyone. Peter Taylor is this week’s guest on a two-part special on Free State. From IRA leaders suspecting thei...
Oct 10, 2023•46 min•Ep. 35
In the end, Pat Gilroy will remember the fun more than the winning. What is sport for except those moments shared among a team that will never be forgotten? In this episode of Free State, Joe and Dion talk to Pat about what is being lost in sport as backroom teams swell and clubs and counties are being drained of finances by professional management teams who have no bond with them. Pat recalls the words of Kevin Heffernan as he reminded him of what their club St Vincent’s was all about. And he d...
Oct 06, 2023•35 min•Ep. 34
When the news broke that Mickey Harte was the new manager of Derry, some accepted it as part of how the modern GAA operates. But for others it struck at the heart of the GAA. In a powerful and emotional episode of Free State, Pat Gilroy is back with Joe and Dion to talk about Mickey Harte and loyalty. What is the GAA about? What do we want? Is the association becoming a sham, where there are more barter accounts than at RTÉ? Are the old ideals of loyalty, amateurism and doing good for its own sa...
Oct 03, 2023•31 min•Ep. 33
Matthew Collins was dead inside. This is where hatred led - to a library with mothers cowering in fear, sheltering from an attack from his far right group. The sound of hatred was the sound of a pregnant woman crying and begging for mercy His life changed that day when he realised that violence is always where hatred leads. Hatred of asylum seekers, Jews, people of colour, the trans community, Muslims, librarians…anyone will do. In Part Two he talks to Dion and Joe about the violence and why he ...
Sep 28, 2023•31 min•Ep. 32
Once upon a time, Matthew Collins would have been standing with the mob outside Dáil Éireann erecting gallows and spitting hate. This unexceptional teenager fell under the spell of older Neo Nazis and became, in his own words, a vile violent hater, who wanted nothing more than to smash someone, anyone, in the face with a hammer. Matthew joins Joe and Dion on Free State this week for a two-part interview. He explains why he once had those feelings, the hold the far right have over their supporter...
Sep 26, 2023•31 min•Ep. 31
For the families of those murdered by security forces collusion, the truth was all they had left. In Part II of Unquiet Graves, Joe and Dion look at the fight for truth from the families affected by the Legacy Bill. The truth would not set them free but it would provide some peace. It would honour the memory of the dead. They hope to see them some day, walking in, smiling like they’ve never been gone. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMc...
Sep 21, 2023•37 min•Ep. 30
The past lives in everyone traumatised by the Troubles. The Legacy Bill has layered misery and anxiety on top of suffering and injustice. For the families who are haunted by the graves of their loved ones, the Act will bring only silence. The families want the truth about the past, the truth about state collusion and murder. On Free State, Joe and Dion look at the stories of those families whose lifelong search for justice is in peril. They explain why the Legacy Bill was a death rattle of Briti...
Sep 19, 2023•36 min•Ep. 29
With around 35% of people north and south supporting the Sinn Fein movement, Dion & Joe wonder why there isn’t a single person from a Republican background in the mainstream Irish media On Part 2 of ‘Wrap The Green Flag Round Me Boys’, we discuss how change is coming in Ireland and why politicians will be followers not leaders. Also can Joe Brolly be persuaded to agree with himself? Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on ...
Sep 14, 2023•29 min•Ep. 28
Is ‘Ooh Ah, Up the Ra’ the best the Irish establishment can do in the face of the existential threat posed by Sinn Fein? In the week that Michéal Martin said Sinn Fein were “infecting” the people of Ireland, Dion and Joe discuss the FG/FF Culture wars against Sinn Fein. They reflect on the family dynasties that replaced the British in Ireland: WT Cosgrave in his top hat, Charlie Haughey on his stallion. And there is a special bonus for our Fine Gael listeners… Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion...
Sep 12, 2023•31 min•Ep. 27
Is the Rose of Tralee a national embarrassment or does it represent something precious? On this week’s Free State, Joe and Dion look at Irish culture and what makes it different. There’s also Pele’s (and Joe’s) lack of concern about erectile dysfunction as well as a cost busting alternative to Viagra. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ To get in touch with the podcast: info@freest...
Sep 05, 2023•52 min•Ep. 26
In Part Two of Roddy Collins is a W****r, Roddy Collins talks to Joe and Dion about his failed attempt at an IRA hold up as a teenager, his days going AWOL with Vinnie Jones and the love story that has shaped his life. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Twitter: @dionfanning @JoeBrolly1993 @freestateirl Hosted on Acast. S...
Aug 31, 2023•35 min•Ep. 25
Don’t mess with the Cabra boys. In the first of a two-part interview, Roddy Collins joins Dion and Joe on Free State. He talks about the confidence trick they played on Chris Eubank, the deeply superstitious middleweight champion of the world. He remembers growing up in Cabra, his uncle Terry, Reggie Kray, banjoeing ‘The General’ Martin Cahill and much more. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestate...
Aug 29, 2023•36 min•Ep. 24
Stalin said one death is a tragedy, a million deaths are a statistic. On Free State this week, Dion and Joe discuss the tragedy of tens of thousands drowning in the Mediterranean. They wonder how we lost touch with our own humanity and why people fall for the same tricks of hate peddled for centuries. They also ask why did four of our own MEPs vote against a resolution that would have ramped up search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean? Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Go...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 23
Fresh from Dublin’s triumph in the All Ireland final, Joe and Dion welcome an old friend back to Free State. Pat Gilroy returns to talk about why the most vulnerable have always been a target throughout history and why inequality is at the root of society’s problems. Pat also explains what a GAA World Series would look like and outlines his radical solution to the Dublin housing crisis… Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on ...
Aug 15, 2023•44 min•Ep. 22
Donald Trump continues to demonstrate how reality can be hijacked by lies. This week Dion and Joe look at how America and Britain have been lost to populism while wondering why the Falkland Islands are more loved in Britain than Northern Ireland. Joe also undertakes not to sue his own podcast… Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodca...
Aug 08, 2023•46 min•Ep. 21
Can you sustain an orgasm for 15 minutes? Joe and Dion help you unleash the superhero within and they disagree about the power of the mind. Joe also remembers a fiery encounter with Enda McNulty Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com Twitter: @dionfanning @JoeBrolly1993 @freestateirl Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
Aug 01, 2023•42 min•Ep. 20
What makes a champion? Philly McMahon and Ger Brennan talk to Joe and Dion about what they were prepared to do as they helped to shape that great Dublin team. Philly tells the extraordinary story of his father’s life on the run while Ger explains why he was drawn to the priesthood before taking another path. They speak about hate and glory and the power in finding a thing - whatever it is - that is bigger than you. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in associati...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 19
You’ve got to pick a pocket or two... You can say what you like about Ryan Tubridy but do not question his soul, his love for the decent people of Ireland and, in particular, the decent people of Louth. In Act II of RTÉ The Musical, Joe and Dion look at the evidence the Toy Man, his agent Noel Kelly and the RTÉ executives provided to the Oireachtas committees. They also extend an invitation to Ryan Tubridy… Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with ...
Jul 20, 2023•52 min•Ep. 18
Show me the (taxpayers) money... What does the RTÉ scandal tell us about Ireland? Joe and Dion explain why this was always about more than Ryan Tubridy’s salary. The Late Late Show’s decline from the glory days of Gay Byrne shows how RTÉ has been captured and why it can’t be a public service broadcaster and an advertising agency at the same time. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/...
Jul 18, 2023•47 min•Ep. 17
Do you know the words to The Sash? Is it culture or hate that sees effigies of politicians including Leo Varadkar burned on bonfires? This week Joe and Dion discuss the Twelfth of July, the role it plays in the siege mentality of the DUP and how to change it. Also is it better for RTE to have Gregory Campbell on the airwaves or Noel Kelly’s clients? And Dion finally persuades Joe to talk about cricket. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanM...
Jul 11, 2023•53 min•Ep. 16
Richard Ford, the Pulitzer Prize winning author, joins Joe and Dion on this week’s Free State. Before he became a novelist, Richard was a sportswriter. He talks to Dion and Joe about why he will defend America when people attack it, his views on President Biden and an extraordinary and hilarious encounter with Muhammad Ali in 1969. We also find out what happened to Joe’s own unfinished Great Irish Novel, a novel inspired by the works of Richard Ford. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning i...
Jul 03, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 15
Humans have always been drawn towards violence but is there a limit to the licence to thrill? Violence has always been a part of sport but now with events like Power Slap, sport is a tiny part of violence. Where will it end? Dion and Joe welcome back an old friend and ask, as Saudi Arabia takes over sport, could public executions one day become a pay per view event? Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://f...
Jun 26, 2023•51 min•Ep. 14
What happens if you speak out against the tribe in Unionism? Is there only free speech for Catholics in Northern Ireland? Joe and Dion argue about commemorations and discuss the Irish language and the secret meeting Joe attended with concerned Protestants. Also do people in the south need to do more to make unionists welcome? Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ To get in touch with...
Jun 19, 2023•45 min•Ep. 13
Dion and Joe debate and disagree about friendships and links between the north and south. They recall some fascinating incidents from the Troubles, including the forgotten heroism of Major Mike Guerin of the Light Air Defence regiment of the Royal Artillery, a real life Bruce Willis. And if a young man gets an excruciating tattoo after losing a bet in Vegas, you might think he would do it for a greater cause than Joe Brolly. Dion also reveals that some of his best friends are Protestants. Free S...
Jun 13, 2023•30 min•Ep. 12
How do you achieve the perfect orgasm without a sexual partner? What precisely is the reverse cowgirl? Where can you buy an orgasmatron? Dion & Joe explore these crucial questions. They also look at how a tiny group of Eton posh boys hijacked the U.K., handed out billions to their pals and used an entire kingdom as their reverse cowgirl. As a bonus, Joe gives an apology masterclass. Enjoy. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For m...
Jun 06, 2023•59 min•Ep. 11
What does it mean to confront addiction? Do we still have a stereotype when it comes to imagining what somebody with a drink problem looks like? This week Dion and Joe talk about drink and what is left when you drain the pool. Dion takes Joe through his own story of recovery and explains why war stories are for amateurs. Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG. For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/ To get in touch with the ...
May 30, 2023•38 min•Ep. 10
Birds do it, bees do it, but nobody does it like northern catholics, even the educated ones. Once again the demographic changes in the north have been framed in terms of a trope that Catholics are out breeding Protestants. In this week’s Free State, Joe and Dion look at the history of the Unionist view of Catholics in the north, how it fed into the south and why it persists. Also, why would anyone want to randomly hit Joe Brolly? Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Producti...
May 23, 2023•55 min•Ep. 9
