The Belfast Telegraph Bomb: The day the IRA attacked the newsroom

The Belfast Telegraph Bomb: The day the IRA attacked the newsroom

Author: Belfast Telegraph September 16, 2026 Duration: 27:17

On September the 15th, 1976, the Belfast Telegraph offices in Belfast centre was bombed by the Provisional IRA. Journalists were clattering at their typewriters when the second evacuation warning of the day went out on the Tannoy. Following the evacuation, a bomb in a van exploded in a loading bay, before many employees had the chance to get out. One of them – 64-year-old production worker Joe Paton - who'd been in a locker room above the bay - died from his injuries four days later. 


Ciarán Dunbar is joined by former Belfast Telegraph journalists Billy Graham and Alf McCreary, who were there on the day. 


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The BelTel
Podcast Episodes
'Where have all the Prods gone?': 'Exodus' from Londonderry 'ignored' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:08
The Protestant exodus from Londonderry's cityside was ‘largely ignored or denied’ according to a new report.Its authors say they would like to see 'acknowledgement’ and 'acceptance' of the massive population shift and it…
New IRA: Republican terror group active on both sides of the border [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:32
The seizure last week of a bomb containing almost 400g of Semtex plastic explosive has put the New IRA back on to the front pages after a lull in violence.Two people connected to the political group Saoradh have been cha…
West Belfast accountant blames office arson on death driver's friends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:32
A west Belfast Accountant whose business was destroyed in an arson attack is blaming associates of a convicted death driver. Tim ‘Timo’ Molloy says people close to Martin Olali Jnr, who is awaiting sentencing for mowing…
LucidTalk Polling: DUP's support tanks in Donaldson aftermath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
The DUP's support has slumped disastrously – that's according to the latest Belfast Telegraph / LucidTalk polling. The dramatic fall in backing for the party comes in the wake of former leader Jeffrey Donaldson's convict…