Stray Bullets
The Stray Bullets podcast, hosted by E.S. Haggan, frequently discusses the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), often drawing on Haggan's experiences as a former RUC/PSNI officer.
The podcast delves into various aspects of the RUC, including:
- The Troubles: Haggan openly addresses policing during the Troubles, including religion, politics, sectarianism, and related ideologies.
- Collusion: Episodes explore allegations of RUC collusion with loyalist paramilitaries and related inquiries like the Stevens Inquiries.
- Catholic officers: The podcast examines the experiences of Catholic police officers within the RUC and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), highlighting challenges like isolation, sectarianism, and racism.
- Specific incidents: Haggan discusses specific events and atrocities related to the Troubles, using his novel "The Bitter End of Dreams" as a framework to explore these topics while avoiding potential libel.
The podcast provides a unique perspective on the RUC and the Troubles, informed by Haggan's personal experiences and detailed discussions of his novel.
'There are no facts, only interpretations.'
Friedrich Nietzsche
Stray Bullets
Ignobly Disbanded: Final Stray Bullets Episode
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Thank you to everyone's who's listened. I hope you got something from my podcast, no matter how small or fleeting. It's time to call time on the whole enterprise. There's a number of reasons, some I talk about in the podcast, but also the fact that - as far as general interest goes - the Royal Ulster Constabulary has long faded into the fog of history. Of course, given our divided society we (the RUC) are viewed as either murderous demons or selfless angels. Whichever reference suits whoever's agenda at the time is of no interest to me anymore.
Plus, if you look at Irish literature these days the aspect of narratives set during the Troubles is also diminishing. Now, most authors who choose to write about the subject will do through a post-Troubles' lens; through a character's memories, or even a reference to a fading mural. Also, this would be a goodtime to express my gratitude to those authors and historians who've lifted elements from my podcast - I don't expect to be credited, so that was never an issue.
The station gates are finally closing for one last time. I'll keep the episodes up for a month or two then cancel my sub to Buzzsprout as I could use the money to buy more books and vinyls.
Many thanks!
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