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Rough Beast

My Story and the Reality of Sinn Féin

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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 Inspiring
All stars
Most relevant
incredible bravery from Maria, A real eye opener on the depravity of Sinn Fein and it's leadership

a genuine hero

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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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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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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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