Anthony Delaney

In this engaging discussion, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney, historians and co-hosts of the After Dark podcast, dive into the treacherous realities of life during the Age of Sail. They reveal the grim truths behind sailors' motivations and the harsh conditions they faced aboard wooden ships. Topics include the harrowing practices of press ganging, the role of alcohol in maintaining morale, and the terrifying risks of scurvy and shipwrecks. The conversation sheds light on the striking balance between the glory of exploration and the perils of maritime life.

Anthony Delaney, historian and author specializing in queer and 18th‑century Dublin history, guides us through the life of Peg Plunkett. Learn about Dublin’s Georgian divides. Hear about Peg’s rise from precarious lodgings to running a brothel, her patrons and branding as Mrs Leeson. Discover violent attacks, courtroom drama over Richard Crosby, memoir culture and her rocky retirement.

Join historians Dr. Anthony Delaney and Dr. Maddy Pelling as they delve into the hauntingly beautiful world of ancient Irish funeral traditions. Discover the powerful role of keening women, who lamented the deceased’s lives, critiquing and seeking forgiveness. Uncover the superstitions of wakes, like the mystical 'hungry grass' and the rituals surrounding mirrors and windows. Both discuss the evolution of these customs and their resonance in modern society, offering a captivating glimpse into Ireland's rich cultural tapestry of death and mourning.