Show Notes
This week I'm taking a whistle-stop history tour of Fethard, the town that Michael Cleary went to fetch the doctor for his sick wife. I also take to Fin Dwyer, presenter of The Irish History Podcast, and we discuss the impact that the famine had on the population of Ballyvadlea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Last Witch Bridget Cleary Podcast
After the six episodes- I have a conversation with Ann Williamson, Barry John Kinsella and Professor Stiofáin Ó Cadhla about the infamous case, folklore and their experience making the podcast. I really enjoyed this recap as it gave me a chance to re-connect with the three of them and gave them a chance to meet and share their experiences, knowledge and opinions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The shocking evidence begins to emerge. In this dramatic re-enactment, we return to the pre-trial proceedings following the murder of Bridget Cleary in Ballyvadlea in 1895. Drawing on newspaper reports that recorded the evidence day by day, we hear the testimony of Michael Cleary, her cousins, her father and her aunt. What did they say happened to Bridget? What had been happening inside the Cleary household? And how did a case that began with a woman being declared a witch become one of the most notorious murder cases in Irish history?
This week I'm joined by poet Milena Williamson, author of Into the Night That Flies So Fast. We discuss the Bridget Cleary case, the inspiration behind her poetry, and she reads a selection from the collection. I also visit the stone shed where Bridget's autopsy took place. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, I'm talking to award-winning director Anne Williamson. Anne is from Cloneen and grew up hearing stories about Bridget Cleary. She wrote and directed the award-winning independent short film Bridget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
I visit the site of Kylenagranagh Fairy Fort, where Michael Cleary went on the night he murdered his wife. He claimed that he would see his wife—the real Bridget—riding by, and that he would pull her down from her horse and bring her home. I also speak with Professor of Folklore Stiofán Ó Cadhla. Together, we discuss changelings, folklore, and the beliefs surrounding the Sí. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.