Mark Hennessy

irishtimes.com‘Businesses that export cross-Border are more profitable, more resilient’Defying ‘unnecessary’ barriers, services trade between the Republic and Northern Ireland has bloomed into a €4.2bn relationship

14h

The story of a successful Irish-language TV detective series that has been sold to nearly 70 countries, and what it tells us about cross-border trade on the island of Ireland www.irishtimes.com/business/202...

irishtimes.com‘Catholics seem to see the Orangeman as the bogeyman. They have this visceral hatred’Orange Order veteran Noel Liggett says Drumcree was ‘moment of clarity’ for unionist community

"I’m Irish. But I’m British and an Ulsterman, and Orange," says leading Belfast Orangeman, Noel Liggett, who was awarded an MBE last year for his cross-community efforts over 30 years www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...

irishtimes.comThe inside story of feared loyalist paramilitary Johnny ‘Mad Dog’ AdairIn the News podcast

The inside story of feared loyalist paramilitary Johnny ‘Mad Dog’ Adair - the latest Irish Times podcast www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-...

irishtimes.comRepublic must acknowledge forgetting northern nationalists, Leo Varadkar saysFormer taoiseach says reconciliation process required to ‘say sorry for the fact that happened’

irishtimes.comA Jesuit priest at Drumcree church: ‘They even called me up to say a prayer’Fr Brendan McPartlin lives off Garvaghy Road and believes negotiation is the only way to break the standoff

A Jesuit priest at Drumcree church: ‘They even called me up to say a prayer’ www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.comVoters open to Irish unity, but not enthusiastic about footing the billA sizeable majority of voters express concerns about the potential costs of unification

Voters in the Republic of Ireland open to Irish unity, but not enthusiastic about footing the bill www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.comSmall minority prepared to consider new flag to make Irish unity acceptable to unionistsIrish Times/Ipsos B&A also asked about attitudes to immigration, with a small majority of voters seeing it, on balance, as a positive

Small minority in the Republic of Ireland prepared to consider new flag to make Irish unity acceptable to unionists www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.comNorthern Ireland’s ‘brain drain’ a figment of the imagination, ESRI report suggestsNorth has lower share of students leaving than English regions, but also has low numbers coming from Britain or elsewhere

irishtimes.comInside story of IRA’s 1977 killing of Rory O’Kelly, and the first report of Troubles-era investigative bodyAn investigation into the killing of a Catholic man by the IRA almost 50 years ago brought peace to his dying son in his last days

The story of a killing - Inside story of IRA’s 1977 killing of Rory O’Kelly, and the first report of Troubles-era investigative body www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...

irishtimes.com‘Well intentioned, ill considered’: Northern nationalists on Micheál Martin’s unity stanceNationalists in the North applaud the Taoiseach’s Shared Ireland initiative but find his failure to plan for a Border poll frustrating at best

12 Sept

Well intentioned, ill considered’: Northern nationalists on Micheál Martin’s unity stance www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

8 Sept

irishtimes.comirishtimes.com

irishtimes.comIreland should invest in drones, not fighter jets and ships, says ex-British security officialMany European states face huge legacy issues because they have invested in military equipment now increasingly threatened by cheap, deadly drones

9 Aug

Ireland should invest in drones, not fighter jets and ships, says ex-British security official www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

7 Aug

irishtimes.comTriple-lock campaigners wish to stand by as Russia and others destroy peacekeeping – MartinTaoiseach says model that State has supported for 60 years is likely to disappear

25 July

irishtimes.comReactionary Israeli ministers have ‘fascist’ Gaza agenda, says ex-WHO official Mike RyanChief executive of Dublin Regeneration Authority tells MacGill Summer School of capital city ‘embarrassment’

24 July

irishtimes.comCourts will decide on military deployments if triple lock is removed, Labour leader warnsAlternative to UN is ‘return to disorder, chaos and carnage of war’, Ivana Bacik tells MacGill summer school

24 July

irishtimes.com‘Rainy day’ fund billions should be spent on housing, says Google Ireland chief`I have young children. Honestly, they’re going to leave unless we have houses and jobs for them’

24 July

irishtimes.comFormer WHO chief Dr Mike Ryan warns of deepening climate-based migrationChallenges of war ‘will pale into insignificance’ compared to global warming impact, MacGill Summer School hears

www.irishtimes.com/life-style/p...

15 July

irishtimes.comProdcast: ‘It’s about being proud to be Irish, proud to be a Prod, proud of my country’Two Irish Protestants have started a new podcast on life in contemporary Ireland

Mark Hennessy reposted

sianushka.bsky.social

@sianushka.bsky.social

9 July

Replying to @sianushka.bsky.social

I found a world of wealth, gambling, crypto - a town with a legacy of dirty money. I learnt about Cottrell's disputed relationship with the PM, & how a bankrupt business associate of Cottrell's runs a casino from where an illegal crypto ATM was seized. Read it! www.opendemocracy.net/inside-refor...

opendemocracy.netInside Reform and George Cottrell’s world in MontenegroWhy are some of Britain’s most controversial Reform-linked figures all operating out of a grubby office in a town of 11,000 people in the Balkans?

Mark Hennessy reposted

sianushka.bsky.social

@sianushka.bsky.social

9 July

I went to Porto Montenegro to find out why so many Reform money men have businesses registered to a grubby looking office building a stone's throw from the luxury yachts on the glittering marina. Feat. me visiting my first casino. www.opendemocracy.net/inside-refor...

Mark Hennessy reposted

Carolyn Gallaher

@cgallaher.bsky.social

6 July

Thanks to @markhennessy.bsky.social for giving us the opportunity to talk about the shape of Irish America in the @irishtimes.com. Irish America isn't what it used to be, but don't count it out, especially viz Northern Ireland. There's still much to be gained by making the trek to DC every March!

irishtimes.comOpinion: Once a political force, Irish America is now a shell of itselfThe relationship between Ireland and the US is under profound stress, from both internal changes and external pressures

Mark Hennessy reposted

Brendan Donlon

@brendandonlon.bsky.social

1 July

@markhennessy.bsky.social You kindly reposted my cat/cancer fundraising video in June – I'm back, slightly sweatier, to ask if you'd do the same now we've finished? We're €1,638 off 1st place and Luna 🐈‍⬛, who contributed 0km, would appreciate the support. Thanks in advance! bsky.app/profile/bren...

Brendan Donlon@brendandonlon.bsky.social

At the start of June, I interviewed my cat Luna 🐈‍⬛ about the 100km in 30 days challenge for Marie Keating Foundation. One month later, our team has travelled 3,085km, while Luna took a more relaxed approach. Support us (and Luna) by donating here: fundraise.mariekeating.ie/fundraisers/... #SpeirGorm

30 June

irishtimes.com‘Soundbites’ on Irish unity not helpful, says Taoiseach, after recent O’Callaghan commentsGovernment’s €2bn Shared Island Fund succeeding because it has not become embroiled in constitutional debate, says Martin

29 June

‘Soundbites’ on Irish unity not helpful, says Taoiseach, after recent O’Callaghan comments www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...

irishtimes.comMurder at the bridge: What happened to Terence McKeever?In the News podcast: The newly-wed businessman was killed by the IRA, but evidence has gone missing on both sides of Border

25 June

The podcast accompanying The Irish Times’ ‘Murder at the bridge” investigation, the killing of Terence McKeever? www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-...

irishtimes.comNext government must prepare for Irish unity, Jim O’Callaghan tells Belfast conferenceMinister for Justice emphasises support for Taoiseach’s Shared Island project which will see €2bn spent on cross-Border co-operation

25 June

Next Irish government must prepare for Irish unity, Jim O’Callaghan tells Belfast conference www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.comFormer DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of all sex abuse charges against himEleanor Donaldon found guilty by unanimous verdict on all five charges made against her

22 June

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson found guilty of all sex abuse charges against him www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...

irishtimes.comFianna Fáil minister criticises party dynasty for failing to report Bill Kenneally’s abuseMary Butler said political family’s failure to act was ‘inexcusable’

20 June

Fianna Fáil minister criticises party dynasty for failing to report Bill Kenneally’s abuse www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/20...

irishtimes.comCommon Ground | Cross‑Border News, Features & Analysis | The Irish TimesStay up‑to‑date with the latest Common Ground reporting: news, features and analysis exploring Ireland‑Britain links, cross‑border issues and evolving identities. Brought to you by Ireland’s quality n...

18 June

Some of the latest work in The Irish Times' Common Ground project, looking at the legacy of The Troubles and relations North and South and between Ireland and Britain www.irishtimes.com/common-ground/

irishtimes.comDeath at the bridge: The Troubles murder of Terence McKeever, 40 years onThe newly wed businessman was killed by the IRA, but key evidence has since gone missing on both sides of Border

17 June

Death At The Bridge: the shadows left 40 years later by one unsolved killing from The Troubles in Northern Ireland www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.com‘An inside job’: US public opinion on Israel has shiftedWorld View: Disgust at Israel’s assault on Gaza and Iran war have precipated a shift, including among prominent Jews

1 June

Important piece this..... worth a read www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026...

Mark Hennessy reposted

Brendan Donlon

@brendandonlon.bsky.social

24 May

@markhennessy.bsky.social I know that this doesn't count as "news", but a repost would be much appreciated! bsky.app/profile/bren...

Brendan Donlon@brendandonlon.bsky.social

I interviewed my cat about the 100km in 30 Days challenge. She was unmoved. I'm a cancer survivor, and Marie Keating Foundation helped me and others I know - they do a lot of good on a very lean budget, so every € helps. One week to sign up! fundraise.mariekeating.ie/join/brendan... #SpeirGorm

www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026...

22 May

irishtimes.comJustine McCarthy: To call Irish people anti-Semitic is a collective punch to the stomachThose who wrongly label Ireland in such vile terms fail to see protests against Israel’s barbarity are motivated by humanity, not hatred

irishtimes.com‘Disgusting behaviour’: Taoiseach condemns Israeli minister who taunts detained Gaza flotilla activistsIrish activist is restrained by soldiers and pushed to the ground in video circulated by Itamar Ben-Gvir

20 May

‘Disgusting behaviour’: Taoiseach condemns Israeli minister who taunts detained Gaza flotilla activists www.irishtimes.com/world/middle...

irishtimes.comGraham Platner entered politics a year ago. Now he is the Democrats’ surprise sensationGraham Platner is channelling economic frustration and hunger for change to become the party’s nominee in a crucial US Senate race

1 May

Tired of reading about Trump? Wouldn't blame you, but this reporting from Keith Duggan about what is happening on the ground in Maine with Graham Platner's campaign to win a US Senate seat is required reading, and tells much that TV headlines do not. www.irishtimes.com/world/us/202...

irishtimes.comFrom Laois to London: CPM boss Lorraine Butler on Britain’s ‘different business culture’Chief executive of CPM International in Ireland and the UK commutes weekly between Buckinghamshire and Laois

1 May

England's woes matter to Ireland, a lot - this is a really insightful piece into, amongst many other things, how global business' attitudes to the UK affect Ireland.... www.irishtimes.com/business/202...

youtu.beView From Stormont | Secretary of State insists Troubles Bill is comingYouTube video by ITV News In Full

29 Apr

UTV's Inside Stormont - a conversation about the Sinn Fein ardfheis, Mary Lou McDonald's leadership and the future of British legacy legislation youtu.be/UYDCjprxC1U?...

27 Apr

irishtimes.comSix years after War of Independence centenary row, Royal Irish Constabulary memorial unveiledPlan for monument stalled in Republic after backlash, but one now stands at Newtownards, Co Down

irishtimes.comScience is battling conspiracies, confusion and vested interestsFrom Big Tobacco to Covid-19 and climate, misinformation and disinformation are on the rise

23 Apr

Science is battling conspiracies, confusion and vested interests www.irishtimes.com/science/2026...

irishtimes.comBishop criticises ‘false’ depiction of Catholic schools as ‘grim places of indoctrination’Groups funded by ‘ideological entities, many from outside the State’ are spreading distorted narrative, chair of bishops’ council says

22 Apr

Irish bishop blames outside actors for campaign to damage Catholic schools - www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...

irishtimes.comWill the Peter Mandelson scandal bring down Keir Starmer?In the News

22 Apr

Keir Starmer's fortunes and what it could mean for Ireland - an Irish Times "In The News" podcast with our London Correspondent, Mark Paul and myself www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-...

irishtimes.com‘The Irish were an underclass, 50% poorer than the English’: New exhibition comes to Epic museum‘The Irish were the raw material for the Industrial Revolution in England,’ says exhibition curator Christopher Kissane

22 Apr

‘The story we have so largely forgotten - the often difficult economic fortunes of the Irish in Britain over 200 years - told in a fascinating new exhibition now opened in Dublin - The Irish were an underclass, 50% poorer than the English’ www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.comThe changing Ancient Order of Hibernians: ‘Irish America has moved past nostalgia in unity debate’Ancient Order of Hibernians deeply invested in Ireland, but its attitudes have changed with the times

21 Apr

Moving beyond nostaligia in the Irish unity debate, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians - really conversations with some of their members near the end of a 10-day tour of Ireland

Mark Hennessy reposted

Sam McBride

@sjamcbride.bsky.social

17 Apr

If you're in London on 15 May, I'll be in conversation with the superb @markhennessy.bsky.social and Simon Kingston, discussing the arguments for and against a united Ireland. We're in Kings College London's Maughan Library as part of the Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words at 1.30pm.

irishtimes.comIrish unity must let Protestants stay British if they want, says GAA president‘The Orange Order is as important to Unionists as the GAA is to those in the nationalist community’

17 Apr

Irish unity must let Protestants stay British if they want, says GAA president www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

irishtimes.comHow the fuel protests brought the country to a standstillThe seeds of this week’s disruption were sown in meetings in late March and fomented in online forums and WhatsApp groups

11 Apr

“There’s not one f**king oil truck moving in this country until we get what we want,” he said. “We have the country by the balls. You know who’s in control’ - How the fuel protests brought Ireland to a standstill www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...

Mark Hennessy reposted

Tom Braithwaite

@tombraithwaite.bsky.social

10 Apr

15 women were willing to come to testify in court on behalf of the FT. That included 3 whose allegations had not previously been reported.

Financial Times@financialtimes.com

Crispin Odey abandons £79mn libel case against the FT over sexual misconduct claims ft.trib.al/ltCxjpR

ft.trib.alCrispin Odey abandons £79mn libel case against the FT over sexual misconduct claimsThe FT had said 15 women were willing to testify in court against former hedge fund boss

Mark Hennessy reposted

Index on Censorship

@indexoncensorship.org

7 Apr

#USA: Trump has escalated his attacks on the press, threatening to jail a journalist who reported on the downing of a US jet in #Iran in order to reveal their source. This is the latest move in a wider campaign against the media. Journalists and their sources must be protected.