Listen: You can stream podcast episodes below or just search 'GunPlot' in your podcast app. You can listen with Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast or the Doc On One app on Android or iOS.
Watch: Click here to watch the 'GunPlot' TV documentary on RTÉ Player.
Read: Anna Joyce shares introduction to the series for RTÉ Culture - 'GunPlot - RTÉ revisits the Irish arms crisis'. Read more about 'GunPlot' and the Arms Crisis on RTÉ.ie/culture.
Episode 1 – The Spark that Lit the Flame
An Irish Army Captain goes on holidays – a strange kind of holiday. To a city where he knows there is likely to be 'trouble'. He arrives as a three-day street battle, now known as 'the Battle of the Bogside', begins. And it changes everything (Ep1/9). Released weekly.
Read: Anna Joyce takes a deeper dive into the first episode - Inside 'GunPlot' - the spark that lit the flame
Episode 2 - Invasion
As tensions continue to rise, the Irish Army is hurriedly moved to the border of Northern Ireland. Is this a sign that Ireland is going to take on the might of the British Empire? One Irish government minister hopes so. And his name is Neil Blaney. (Ep2/9). Released weekly.
Episode 3 - Plan B
A secret plan by members of the Irish Government to import guns into Ireland begins to come together. But forces are gathering in the wings to scupper it. Will the plot survive? (Ep3/9). Released Weekly.
Episode 4 - Muzzy
It's October 1969 and the truth is becoming murky. A plan to buy weapons begins to come together. And a group of men go shopping for guns. But what happens when the arms dealer they meet is actually a foreign spy?
Episode 5 - Deeper
The hunt for guns leads to a meeting in Antwerp with a shady arms dealer. The Minister for Defence issues a directive that could lead to an invasion of Northern Ireland. A group of men wait at Dublin Port for a shipment of arms to arrive. Official Ireland is getting in deeper and deeper and deeper. Released weekly.
Episode 6 - Closing In
Attempts continue to bring black market sub-machine guns and pistols into Ireland. But when an Irish policeman is shot on the streets of Dublin, everything changes. And the forces seeking to undo the entire plot to import guns are growing stronger. Released weekly.
Episode 7 - Implosion
The country is about to wake up to some shocking news. The plan to secretly import weapons is blown wide open and the dominoes are about to start falling with devastating consequences for some of those involved.
Episode 8 - The Trial
A stunning period in Irish life comes to a climax. Four men stand before the High Court, charged with conspiring to import arms and ammunition illegally into Ireland. A Government Minister, an Army officer, a Belgian businessman and a proud IRA man. If found guilty, jail beckons. The entire country holds its breath. Released weekly. (Ep8/9)
Episode 9 - Fallout
More than 50 years after the Arms Crisis of 1970, the effects echo through to today. There was personal fallout, financial fallout, social fallout and political fallout. It was, and continues to be, the biggest political scandal of modern Ireland. So what happened all those involved? Who were the 'winners' and who were the 'losers'? This is where we bring our story to an end. (Ep 9/9). Released Weekly
Bonus: Appendix Trial Tapes 1
The first of four recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the morning of October 16th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of Captain James Kelly being cross examined by Seamus McKenna, Prosecution Barrister. "Two prize fighters slugging it out on the floor of the Central Criminal Court". That's how this recording is described by historian, Michael Heney. Appendix episodes publish daily (June 14-17th 2021).
Bonus: Appendix Trial Tapes 2
The second of four recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the afternoon of October 16th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of the Opening Speech by Peter Maguire, Charlie Haughey's barrister. The case for the defence of Charles Haughey is laid before the jury. This was a preamble to the 'main event' of the Arms Crisis: the testimony of the fallen star of the political firmament - Charles Haughey. Appendix episodes publish daily (June 14-17th 2021).
Bonus: Appendix Trial Tapes 3
The third of four recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the morning of October 20th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of a legal argument. This is something you never read about from a trial. Such discussions between the judge and barristers for both sides normally take place in the absence of the jury and are not permitted to be reported on. Appendix episodes publish daily (June 14-17th 2021).
Bonus: Appendix Trial Tapes 4
The fourth and final recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the morning of October 20th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of the closing address to the jury by Niall McCarthy, Charlie Haughey's Barrister. A masterclass in how to address a jury, Niall McCarthy argues that Charles Haughey should be acquitted. And the defence was successful - Haughey, along with the others accused, was found innocent. Appendix episodes publish daily (June 14-17th 2021).
Further reading:
"The Arms Crisis of 1970 : The Plot that Never Was", by Michael Heney
"Deception And Lies", by David Burke
"Through the Bridewell Gate: A Diary of the Dublin Arms Trial", by Tom MacIntyre
"Thimbleriggers - The Dublin Arms Trials of 1970", by Captain James Kelly
"The Arms Conspiracy Trial", by Angela Clifford
"The Arms Trial", Justin O'Brien
"Jack Lynch: A Biography", Dermot Keogh
Some of the music used in the podcast series:
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh - "Zona Rosa"
Green Day - "Troubled Times"
Blue Dot Sessions - Various
Atticus Ross, Trent Reznor - "Hand Covers Bruise"
Get in touch with the 'GunPlot' team at documentaries@rte.ie
