Reuters

Who are Kneecap?

PA Media

The much-anticipated series, House of Guinness, has finally landed on Netflix, with viewers eagerly tuning in to the eight-part drama, reports the Irish Mirror.

Created by Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, the series follows the Guinness children as they navigate life after their father’s death, striving to transform the company into a world-class enterprise.

Netflix’s latest offering intertwines family drama, romance, politics and history, plunging viewers into the heart of 1860s Dublin.

With its breathtaking locations and incorporation of real-life figures and events, some are left wondering if it’s based on a true story.

Many are also keen to delve into the historical context of the show. Let’s take a closer look at the era.

What year is House of Guinness set in?

The action kicks off in 1868 in Dublin, Ireland, following the death of Guinness patriarch Benjamin Lee Guinness. In the wake of his passing, his children Arthur (portrayed by Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne Plunket (Emily Fairn) and Benjamin Junior (Fionn O’ Shea) strive to carve out a new legacy for the company and the family.

The narrative unfolds two decades after Ireland’s Great Famine, also known as the Great Hunger, the Famine, or the Irish Potato Famine, which spanned from 1845 to 1852.

This devastating famine triggered mass migration to America, leading to the Irish diaspora in New York that Byron Hedges (Jack Gleeson) interacts with.

Once again, this mass exodus crippled the nation as people sought better prospects in the New World.

House of Guinness highlights the dire poverty afflicting people across Ireland, particularly through scenes depicting those residing in the docks and the village of Cloonboo, where residents were ravaged by hunger and illness.

Politically, there remained a persistent rift between Catholics and Protestants.

The Guinness dynasty was Protestant with English connections, and like numerous other Protestants, they received land grants and privileges from England upon settling in Ireland.

Conversely, Irish Catholics endured destitution, as portrayed through those toiling and dwelling in the dock areas.

The Irish Republican Brotherhood represented a Catholic faction seeking home rule and self-governance for Ireland.

Additionally, an American branch of the Irish Brotherhood existed, championing the independence movement from across the Atlantic.

Furthermore, Ellen Cochrane (Niamh McCormack) headed The Ladies’ Committee and remained politically engaged during an era when women lacked voting rights or legal standing.

Actress McCormack explained: “Ellen’s right in the middle of it all – the political chaos of the time. It was a very difficult period to live in Dublin – just 20 years after the famine, there was a generational silence and trauma.

“She would’ve seen a lot growing up, and I think that’s why she’s so passionate about Irish independence.”

She went on to say: “The Ladies’ Committee was her way of incorporating women into politics.

“At the time, women had no voice, no vote, and no real rights. So this was her stance: to modernise Irish politics and push for equality. She lives her life through those principles.”

Another intriguing aspect was the temperance movement of the era, with both Catholic and Protestant religious leaders advocating for reduced alcohol consumption, which would have been at odds with the growth of the Guinness company.

The first series moves into 1869 when Arthur loses his seat in Parliament after widespread bribery and corruption were discovered among his agents, although he himself was not found guilty.

The finale concludes in the 1870s as Arthur prepares to run for Parliament once more, with the historical figure being re-elected in 1974.

House of Guinness is streaming on Netflix now

The case in London against the Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been dismissed.

On Friday morning Mr Ó hAnnaidh won an application to have the case thrown out over a delay in issuing the charge.

Judge Paul Goldspring dismissed the case at a hearing in Woolwich Crown Court.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh had been accused by British authorities of showing support for a proscribed organisation by draping himself in a Hizbullah flag at a gig in London last November.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara in the Belfast rap trio, had yet to enter a plea in the case, but he had publicly indicated that he intended to fight the charge.

At a previous hearing in August, his lawyers argued that the charge against him was issued a day beyond an official deadline. Prosecution lawyers denied this.

The judge had indicated that if Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s lawyers were shown to be correct, the case against him would be immediately dismissed on Friday.

If the jurisdiction ruling had gone against the Irish man, the case would have proceeded, and he would have had to enter a plea. Had he pleaded not guilty, a trial would have been set for a later date.

Friday’s hearing was moved to Woolwich Crown Court, in east London, following flooding at Westminster Magistrates Court, where the case had previously been scheduled.

More to follow