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Maura Lyons: The Rev Ian Paisley and the 15-year-old 'abducted' from west Belfast

Maura Lyons: The Rev Ian Paisley and the 15-year-old 'abducted' from west Belfast

Author: Belfast Telegraph August 24, 2026 Duration: 27:27
The BelTel
NewsDaily

The Rev Ian Paisley rose to prominence as the face of hardline unionism but the first time some would have heard of him would have been in connection with Maura Lyons.


In 1956, the west Belfast teenager was smuggled to Scotland by members of the Free Presbyterian Church. She was a 15-year-old Catholic girl who converted to Free Presbyterianism, in the face of the strong objections of her family.


They accused the Rev Ian Paisley of “abduction”. At one point, he gathered his supporters in the Ulster Hall to listen to a recording of Maura’s voice at the Ulster Hall, renouncing her Catholic faith as a “religion of fear and dread”. Ciarán Dunbar is joined by journalist Malachi O’Doherty, who grew up in west Belfast.  


This episode was originally released in October 2025.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For a clear-eyed look at the politics and people shaping Northern Ireland, turn to The BelTel. This podcast moves beyond the headlines, offering context and depth on the stories dominating the conversation. Regular voices include seasoned journalists like Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen, who bring their sharp analysis and insider perspectives directly to you. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the discussions are timely, informed, and grounded in the region's complex reality. New episodes arrive three times a week, each one serving as an essential briefing that investigates pressing issues, debates differing viewpoints, and informs listeners with nuance. It’s a direct line to the heart of the news from those who know it best. This is a production from the Belfast Telegraph, hosted on Acast.
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