The Times and The Sunday Times have announced the launch of a new six-part investigative podcast series; The Poppy Day Bomb. It is a series that explores one of the darkest days in Northern Ireland's history, added the publisher.
During the Troubles, on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 1987, the Provisional IRA planted a bomb in the town of Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. Eleven people were killed as they commemorated those who had fallen in wars past.
Almost forty years later, no one has been held to account, the publisher continued. Questions remain unanswered: why the IRA carried out these murders, why did the British government fail to fully investigate, and why does a silence still surround what really happened that morning?
The Poppy Day Bomb series is hosted by Mario Ledwith, a reporter from The Times, born in Enniskillen in Northern Ireland. The publisher says through his personal connection to the town and its people, Mario embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the attack and the long shadow it has cast over the community.
Mario Ledwith said: “This massacre changed my town forever, yet growing up there it felt like something that was easier for people not to talk about. Beyond the obvious that it was an IRA bomb, hardly anything else was known about how this dreadful attack unfolded.
“I spent twelve months investigating the Poppy Day Bomb, returning to Enniskillen to speak with survivors and families, as well as republicans and members of the security services. My aim was to piece together what really happened and understand why the victims’ search for answers has been so difficult. I hope that by shedding light on this tragedy, we are perhaps moving a step closer to finding the truth.”
Will Roe, series producer, said: “It has been a privilege working with Mario and the wider production team on The Poppy Day Bomb. It is a brave and commendable piece of journalism. We have taken compelling interviews and meticulous journalistic research to create a gripping investigative audio series. ”
Dan Box, The Times head of podcasts, said: “The Poppy Day Bomb is another example of world-class investigative journalism from The Times. It builds on the success of our multiple award-winning investigative podcast series Cocaine Inc., and Poison which was adapted into a Channel 4 documentary series.”
The Poppy Day Bomb is produced by The Times and The Sunday Times podcast production team, and will be available to listen to on all major podcast platforms from Monday 20th October.
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