Spring has rolled around once again, bringing a veritable explosion of life with it. With our island awash in a tide of vibrant colour the nation prepares itself for a weekend of celebrations and commemorations. The team here at ‘Talking History’ are no exception. This Easter Sunday we will be celebrating the lovely bloom of new life by scoffing chocolate eggs and taking a look back at two of our favourite discussions of the past year.
Listen in as we take a look back at our discussion on the life and writings of Robert Louis Stevenson. Remembered mainly for his tales of nautical adventures in search of buried pirate treasure and the strife between man's bestial and civilised nature, Stevenson’s life itself was as fascinating as the tales he wove. Join us on ‘Talking History’ this Sunday at 7pm as we revisit Stevenson’s journeys through Europe, America, and the islands of the Pacific Ocean between mouthfuls of chocolate.
Hear how a sickly child born in Victorian Edinburgh went on to become one of the world’s most beloved writers. Find out how this son of Scottish engineers left behind his heritage of lighthouse building to seek out his own path in life and how this path resulted in a string of literary masterpieces and an eventual resting place overlooking the beautiful South Pacific Ocean.
Cover of Charles Scribner's Sons, 1911 edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’
In the second hour of our Easter special we take a look at the life of one of Ireland’s greatest heroes and humanitarian champions; Father Jack Finucane. Born in Limerick in 1937 Jack studied philosophy and worked as a teacher before following his older brother, Aengus, into the priesthood. Their calling drove both brothers to become involved in humanitarianism and in 1968 they helped found what is now one of the world's leading charities, Concern, with a group of likeminded individuals.
On the 30th of May 1967 the Eastern Region of Nigeria declared independence from the rest of the West African nation, proclaiming itself the Republic of Biafra. What resulted was a three year long war that cost millions of lives. Most of these casualties were civilians, many of whom starved to death after Nigerian forces began to blockade the remaining Biafran forces in 1968. In reaction to this humanitarian crisis Africa Concern was established by the Finuacane brothers and others.
Since then Concern has grown in both size and mission scope. Today the charity has been involved in over 50 countries, providing both emergency relief and support for long term development. Join Patrick this Easter Sunday at 8pm as ‘Talking History’ takes a look at the life of Father Jack Finucane and pays tribute to the ‘John Wayne of aid workers’.
Fr Jack Finucane presenting President Michael D Higgins the Fr Aengus Finucane Award for Services to Humanity 
