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Rough Beast

My Story and the Reality of Sinn Féin

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Rough Beast

By: Máiría Cahill
Narrated by: Máiría Cahill
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About this listen

 Bloomsbury presents Rough Beast written and read by Máiría Cahill.

NUMBER 1 BESTSELLER IN THE IRISH NON-FICTION CHARTS

"Rough Beast is shocking, important and unputdownable." Roddy Doyle

Rough Beast is Máiría Cahill's harrowing story of her life and of what she went through at the hands of what is now Ireland’s largest and richest party. That story is told here for the first time in full detail and with unsparing honesty. It is a story of unimaginable trauma and political corruption. It brings to life a world of paramilitary secrecy and parallel laws, but above all it is the story of one young woman’s defiance of the power wielded by ex-gunmen inspiring fear and silence, and their influence over elected politicians.

Máiría Cahill grew up steeped in the traditions of Irish republicanism and the shadowy world of the IRA: her great-uncle Joe was one of the main founders of the Provisional IRA and her grandfather was Gerry Adams's mentor in the republican movement. From an early age she seemed destined for a glittering career within the increasingly successful political machine of Sinn Féin, which was then enjoying the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement. She worked in a radio station alongside leading republicans; the Sinn Féin offices were her second home. She knew Gerry Adams and other senior republicans as family friends.

But at the age of 16, she was sexually abused by a prominent Belfast IRA man. When she confided in some friends she trusted about the abuse, one of them told the IRA without Máiría's knowledge. A year later the organisation came calling, and forced her to take part in an inept and grotesquely insensitive internal investigation. She was subjected to round after round of interrogations by senior IRA men and women, usually in a network of safe houses around Belfast. Doubt was cast on her account of what had been done to her. Her assailant was allowed to confront and denounce her. Eventually her rapist was permitted to vanish from Belfast while Sinn Féin and the IRA professed bafflement about his whereabouts.©2023 Máiría Cahill (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. Corruption & Misconduct Historical Politics & Government Women Ireland

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All stars
Most relevant  
It takes courage for someone from the Republican Community to speak the truth about those at the top of the ira, it takes even more courage when they've endured what Mairia has.
Unfortunately too many people today, especially the young in America, the UK and the Republic of Ireland idolise a party and organisation that insists only the British Government have guilt over events in Northern Ireland.
Victims of abuse, sectarianism and violence will never have justice whilst one party is allowed to dictate the rights and wrongs of a conflict that will take many decades to heal if ever.

Courage.

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I have read numerous books about the struggles in the North of Ireland. I’m English, of no Christian faith; yet truly understand why the Troubles happened and how the people in the North of Ireland were pushed into action against the treatment of Catholics, and the British government. This book, is a testament to the following Sinn Fein leadership and eventual corruption of “a political party“ who in its vigorous pursuit of power, ignored the principles and practices to protect children. Children who were sexually abused; the ineptitude, incompetence and cover up, for the greater “good “ of the party, using the threat of the IRA, to silence victims. This young, courageous, clever and honest woman, should be so very proud of herself. She reveals her vulnerability, her courage when threatened and her dogged determination to make sure that she protects others from the treatment she received. I am truly humbled by Máiría. What you have achieved is truly remarkable and selfless. A must read for everyone, irrespective of their background. I wish her a happy future with her daughter in peace.

A woman whom everyone should be proud of.

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Book of the year, no doubt about it. Brilliant from start to finish. Read the book then decided to get the audible version. Mairia narrating the book herself hits differently. A brave and courages woman.

Brilliant

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I stumbled upon this audible and it’s been the most impactful book I’ve read to do. Highly recommend it

Amazing story

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This book sums up the ignorance of politicians who only think of themselves Maria Cahill is with out doubt the strongest woman in Northern Ireland

Strong woman

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The claustrophobia, fear, grief and anxiety are absolutely palpable in Mairias recount of unimaginable trauma
This layered and juxtaposed with immense courage, honesty, integrity and advocacy on her part. She is an inspiration, the epitome of the strength of the human spirit. Essential reading

A harrowing, honest and courageous story

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Once I started it, I found it hard to put it down. truly inspiring

I was gripped from the start.

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Forensic and at the same time emotional. A must listen for any student of Irish politics narrted with passion.

stunning and brutally honest.

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A well written and articulate account of a nightmarish situation. I would say that I enjoyed the book, if the details were not so harrowing and shocking. Máiría wades through oceans of detail with a matter of fact tone, which draws the reader into every aspect. Normally such volumes of material would be monotonous, however, Máiría is able to draw you into her story so well, that every detail is necessary and ingested with enthusiasm. The pain of taking this stand is well communicated and the determination to proceed is truly admirable. A no holds barred account, which doesn't miss and hit the wall. An extremely courageous and remarkable woman who singlehandedly took on the Republican establishment and held them to account. I pray that in the telling of her story, this is a cathartic moment for her. As is evident with all abuse victims, peace and healing is an ongoing daily effort.
go mbeannaí Dia thú

Essential Reading

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An excellent book, harrowing at times. Māiria is a brave woman.
If the Irish Republic are going to vote in Sinn Fein at the next election then the Irish people are going to need people like her to take them on.

Peter

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