Séan Ó Duibhir

University of Galway

Dr Séan Ó Duibhir is a part-time lecturer in the Department of History and the Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development at University of Galway.

The story of Joe Jacob, Marian Finucane and the iodine tablets

Fears about nuclear fallout and radiaton poisoning in 2001 produced one of the most infamous Irish radio interviews of all time

History • 16 Dec 24

Japanese monks who held a religious ceremony at Carnsore Point in 1980 during the anti-nuclear protests. Photo: RTÉ

When Ireland said no to nuclear power in Co Wexford

The Carnsore Point festivals in the 1970s helped put a stop to the ESB's plans for a nuclear power plant

History • 08 Aug 24

John Bruton receives his ministerial seal of office shortly after the election of a Fine Gael-Labour coalition government, in Arás an Uachtaráin on 14 December 1982. Photo: RTÉ Stills Library

Did a tax on children's shoes really cause a government to fall?

Myths can be powerful drivers of narrative, and of public perceptions and contrary to popular belief, the likelihood is that the infamous 'tax on children's shoes' was not the primary reason for the budget's failure in 1982.

History • 06 Feb 24

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams is interviewed by Joe Little in the reception area of RTÉ Television Centre in January 1994 after the Section 31 ban had been lifted. Photo: Thomas Holton/RTÉ Stills Library

A short history of Ireland's Section 31 broadcasting ban

Rescinded 30 years ago this week, the infamous clause of the Broadcasting Act was a contentious issue during coverage of the Troubles

History • 19 Jan 24

The Joe Show coming to a street near you this month.

Protests, controversy & eggs: 6 US presidential trips to Ireland

With Joe Biden due in Ireland this month, here's how six other US presidents fared when they disembarked from Air Force One

US Presidents • 05 Apr 23

Leinster House: 'representatives of every political stripe are now reporting abuse or intimidation as a common feature of life today.'

The life of an Irish politician: abuse, harassment and violence

Irish politicians have faced murder, physical attacks, verbal abuse and online hate campaigns while doing their job over the last 100 years

Politics • 17 Feb 23

President Michael D Higgins with his wife Sabina Coyne Higgins

A short history of Irish political spouses

Sabina Coyne Higgins is not the first political spouse to take an interest in matters of state

Politics • 08 Aug 22

'Thanks, big fella': Charles Haughey and horse at home in Dublin in 1975. Photo: RTÉ Stills Library

Here are 4 unlikely places where Irish political scandals began

Controversies that damaged political reputations began in such venues as a Co Westmeath distillery and a swanky Florida hotel

Politics • 27 Jul 22

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long and Stephen Farry MP with their newly elected MLAs following the Northern Ireland Assembly election

A short history of the Alliance Party

50 years on from its formation, the Alliance Party has make a significant electoral breakthrough in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland • 17 May 22

Jim Larkin in 1923. Photo: RTÉ Stills Library

A short history of Russian involvement in Irish politics

It started with De Valera giving a loan to the fledging communist state and has seen much intrigue over the decades

History • 26 Feb