History Extra Podcast: The Philadelphia Gun-Runners Who Supplied the IRA Release Date: March 26, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the History Extra Podcast, hosted by Ellie Cawthorn, reporter and author Ali Watkins delves into the clandestine operations of the Philadelphia gun-runners who supplied the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the height of the Troubles in the 1970s. Drawing from her extensive research and her book, "The Next One is for You," Watkins uncovers the intricate network and far-reaching consequences of these arms smuggling activities.

The Troubles: Context and Background

[02:36] Ali Watkins:
"Before you talk about the mid-70s, you have to talk about the late 60s in Northern Ireland post partition, where the six counties have been separated from the independent republic. There's a buildup of oppression of Irish Catholic residents in the North."

Watkins provides a comprehensive overview of the sociopolitical landscape in Northern Ireland leading up to the 1970s. The partition of Ireland created significant tensions, particularly among the Irish Catholic population in cities like Belfast and Derry, who faced systemic oppression and inequality. Civil rights protests mirrored those in America, igniting revolutionary sentiments that eventually escalated into widespread violence.

Philadelphia: A Hotbed for IRA Support

[06:54] Ali Watkins:
"Philadelphia was actually one of the highest concentrations of émigrés from Northern Ireland and from counties like Derry, Armagh, and Tyrone because of historic shipping routes."

Philadelphia emerged as a pivotal center for IRA support in the United States. Unlike other Irish American hubs such as Boston or New York, Philadelphia's unique immigration patterns resulted in a concentrated diaspora from specific Northern Irish counties. This tight-knit community became fertile ground for radical organizations like Clann na Gael to thrive.

Clann na Gael: The Arsenal of Support

[08:26] Ali Watkins:
"Clann na Gael grew out of the Fenian movement and evolved into this auxiliary support for what eventually becomes the IRA, maintaining strong presences in cities like Philadelphia."

Clann na Gael, an organization with roots in the late 19th-century Fenian movement, played a crucial role in supporting the IRA. Initially established in New York, it later centralized in Philadelphia, fostering a network dedicated to armed resistance against British rule in Northern Ireland. This group served as the backbone for the logistical operations that would supply the IRA with essential weaponry.

Vince Conlon and the Philadelphia Five

[11:14] Ali Watkins:
"Vince Conlon joined the Republican movement during the 1950s border campaign and eventually fled to Philadelphia in 1960, maintaining his commitment to a reunited Ireland."

Vince Conlon, a central figure in this narrative, epitomizes the dedication of Irish American Republicans. After participating in the IRA's border campaign, Conlon relocated to Philadelphia, where he became instrumental in organizing the smuggling of arms to the IRA. His relentless pursuit of Irish unity underscores the personal motivations driving these covert operations.

The Art of Smuggling: Ingenuity and Risks

[15:47] Ali Watkins:
"They used plumbing supplies, sofas, cars, and household goods to hide the guns, adopting a catch-as-catch-can strategy to evade detection."

The smuggling operations employed by the Philadelphia crew were both innovative and daring. Utilizing everyday items to conceal weapons, they navigated the challenges of international transport with a blend of ingenuity and sheer determination. Their methods ranged from hiding Armalite rifles in furniture to exploiting connections within Irish Airlines, demonstrating a relentless commitment to arming the IRA.

Impact of Armalite Rifles on the Conflict

[17:49] Ali Watkins:
"The introduction of Armalites changed the game in Northern Ireland, elevating the IRA from a struggling force to a formidable adversary against the British army."

The procurement of Armalite rifles marked a turning point in the Troubles. These modern, high-velocity firearms significantly enhanced the IRA's combat capabilities, allowing them to inflict greater damage and sustain prolonged engagements against British forces. This escalation intensified the conflict, leading to more severe confrontations and casualties.

US Law Enforcement's Awareness and Response

[19:10] Ali Watkins:
"The FBI and ATF had been monitoring Clann na Gael for decades, but it wasn't until the early 70s that they took substantial action due to pressure from British and Unionist authorities."

Despite the evident scale of arms smuggling, U.S. law enforcement agencies were initially hesitant to intervene decisively. Balancing diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom and managing the significant Irish American voting bloc, agencies like the FBI maintained a watchful yet restrained stance. It wasn't until international pressure mounted that more robust measures were enacted, leading to arrests and prosecutions of key figures involved in the gun-running operations.

Tracing the Guns: Challenges and Consequences

[20:39] Ali Watkins:
"Tracing the guns into Northern Ireland was almost impossible, with many serial numbers inaccessible and connections to specific incidents obscured."

Investigating the precise pathways and ultimate destinations of the smuggled weapons proved exceptionally challenging. Watkins recounts her efforts to link specific firearms to incidents in Northern Ireland, only succeeding in a few cases due to stringent secrecy and bureaucratic obstacles. This difficulty highlights the broader complexities of tracking illicit arms flows in conflict zones.

Perspectives on Irish American Involvement

[23:20] Ali Watkins:
"Brendan Hughes, a leading IRA figure, felt that the NORAID people had no understanding of what the war was like in Belfast. However, Irish America often romanticizes a conflict they never directly experienced."

The episode explores the nuanced perceptions between Irish Americans and their counterparts in Northern Ireland. While organizations like NORAID provided crucial support, figures like Brendan Hughes criticized the superficial understanding of the conflict among American supporters. Watkins reflects on the generational and cultural gaps that can distort the perception and motivations behind such support.

The Philadelphia Five Court Case and Aftermath

[24:55] Ali Watkins:
"By 1975, three members of the Philadelphia Five were caught, two convicted, and two evaded capture, effectively dismantling the smuggling cell."

The culmination of increased law enforcement scrutiny led to significant arrests within the Philadelphia smuggling network. The court cases of the Philadelphia Five underscored the legal repercussions of their actions, although the penalties appeared lenient compared to the gravity of their offenses. The decline of this cell prompted the IRA to seek alternative sources for arms, notably Libya, altering the landscape of arms supply dynamics.

The Legacy and Modern Reflections

[26:26] Ali Watkins:
"A new generation in Northern Ireland is approaching the conflict's history with hope and a desire for resolution, leading to renewed interest in stories like mine."

Watkins posits that contemporary explorations of the Troubles are driven by a younger generation's quest to understand and reconcile with their history. As societal wounds gradually heal, there is a burgeoning interest in uncovering and reflecting on the multifaceted narratives that shaped the conflict. This renewed focus is evident in the proliferation of books, films, and TV shows that seek to present a balanced and introspective view of the past.

Conclusion

Ali Watkins' exploration of the Philadelphia gun-runners reveals a complex interplay of ideology, community, and covert operations that significantly influenced the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this episode sheds light on a lesser-known facet of the conflict, emphasizing the profound ripple effects of transatlantic support in protracted civil strife. As history continues to be reassessed, such narratives are crucial in understanding the enduring impacts of past actions on present realities.

Recommended Listening:
To delve deeper into this riveting history, tune into this episode of the History Extra Podcast and explore Ali Watkins' insightful book, "The Next One is for You."