Spy, hero, rebel, traitor: the story of Roger Casement

Rory Carroll explores the story and legacy of Roger Casement, an Irish diplomat and celebrated knight of the British empire, whose bold commitment to the cause of Ireland's Home Rule saw him both celebrated as a hero and condemned as a traitor

Published: March 27, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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Rory Carroll unpacks the dramatic final years of Roger Casement – an Irish diplomat and nationalist whose tangled legacy includes heroism, betrayal, and personal scandal. Carroll tells Elinor Evans about how Casement's support of Irish Home Rule in the early 20th century morphed into a bold plan. As the First World War raged on, and Britain's attentions were engaged elsewhere, Casement chose a fateful path: to ally with Germany, seeking arms and support for the nationalist cause.

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Find out more about the cause of Home Rule, Irish Nationalism, and the 1916 Easter Rising. Go beyond the podcast.

Authors

Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)

Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)

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