Episode
Spies, Snipers, Smugglers & the Shadow War in Northern Ireland
- Podcast
- Spybrary Spy Podcast
- Published
- Feb 3, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3244
- Processing state
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Summary
In this gripping episode of the Spybrary Podcast , Adam Brookes sits down with journalist and author Toby Harnden to explore the legacy of his landmark book Bandit Country: The IRA and South Armagh . They dive into the hidden war fought in the rural heartlands of Northern Ireland during the Troubles, spotlighting the extraordinary reach of IRA intelligence and the massive British surveillance effort in response. Toby shares the story behind the book's unexpected reissue 25 years after its release, the shadowy figure of Tom "Slab" Murphy , and the dangerous tightrope journalists walked reporting from IRA strongholds. The conversation then pivots to the CIA, highlighting Harnden's acclaimed book First Casualty and his upcoming work on the Distinguished Intelligence Cross , the CIA's highest honor. Interview with Toby Harden author of Bandit Country Key Topics & Themes: Moral complexity of insurgency and counterinsurgency The reissue and enduring relevance of Bandit Country IRA intelligence structure and infiltration British military and surveillance operations in Northern Ireland The life and mythos of Tom "Slab" Murphy Journalistic risks during the Troubles CIA's post-9/11 mission in Afghanistan Distinguished Intelligence Cross and CIA recognition Timestamps & Segments: 00:00 — Intro & Guest Welcome Adam Brookes introduces Toby Harnden and his career journey from Royal Navy officer to war correspondent. 01:38 — The Revival of Bandit Country Why and how Toby's 1999 book returned to print 25 years later. 05:03 — Entering South Armagh: IRA Heartland A firsthand look at the rural guerrilla battlefield and IRA sniper teams. 08:34 — The Intelligence War How the IRA built an intelligence network using locals and public workers. 12:26 — The British Response Massive surveillance…