From Dublin to the DUP: Irish-Speaking Academic on Culture, Faith, & DUP – Ciarán Ó Coigligh | Ep 3

In Episode 3, we sit down with Ciarán Ó Coigligh, a Dublin-born Irish speaker, retired academic, and surprising member of the DUP. Ciarán takes us on a journey through his life, sharing how his faith, love for the Irish language, and passion for theology shaped his career and political affiliations. Ciarán shares his journey of faith, his fascination with Ian Paisley, and his unique perspective on Irish, British, and Northern Irish identity.

We discuss the legacy of St. Patrick, the role of the Celtic Church in shaping civilisation, and the modern church's challenges in 2024. Ciarán also weighs in on key ethical debates around pro-life advocacy, assisted dying, and the shifting definition of marriage in Ireland. Don’t miss this compelling conversation with a man who defies expectations and bridges cultural divides.

** Note**There are some audio issues 3 mins in.

Chapters
0:00 - Title video
0:28 - Welcome & intro
3:13 - Origins
3:28 - Father’s work (audio echo issues)
4:28 - Father’s Attitudes to Alcohol and Arthur Guinness (audio resolved)
6:05 - Early life
7:34 - Why did Ciaran join DUP?
10:04 - The complex and Christian roots of British and Irish Identity.
13:27 - St Patrick anti-Slavery abolitionist.
15:30 - Cairan’s revolutionary socialist beginnings.
17:45 - Academic life and research into Ian Paisley.
24:15 - Lessons from Patrick, the Early Irish, and Celtic Church.
36:15 - Western society collapsing. Learning from Patrick.
40:55 - Reasons for loss of Church cultural influence.
42:29 - Sex for individual pleasure. Divorcing sex from procreation. The impact.
44:45 - The procreation gap - influence on mass migration.
46:07 - Sex, valuable or valueless?
47:58 - Silence from the Church.
49:55 - Ethic of Life.
50:20 - Cairan on Abortion.
53:12 - Assisted Dying.
56:40 - The response of the Church.
58:27 - Divorce and Marriage.
1:03:43 - House Church and Groups.
1:05:45 - Are Christians Self Cancelling?
1:07:09- Closing Title.