The Poppy Day Bomb Podcast | Investigating the 1987 Enniskillen Tragedy

Nearly four decades after one of the darkest days in Northern Ireland’s history, The Times and The Sunday Times have launched a compelling new investigative podcast: “The Poppy Day Bomb.”

This six-part series revisits the 8 November 1987 Enniskillen bombing, a Remembrance Sunday atrocity that claimed eleven lives and left a community scarred forever. Hosted by Enniskillen native Mario Ledwith, the podcast examines the unanswered questions, lingering trauma, and the quest for justice that continues to this day.

A Dark Day in Enniskillen: The 1987 Poppy Day Bombing

On Remembrance Sunday, 8 November 1987, families and veterans gathered in Enniskillen to honor the war dead. In the midst of this solemn ceremony, the Provisional IRA planted a bomb, killing eleven civilians and injuring dozens more.

The attack sent shockwaves across Northern Ireland and the world. Yet, nearly forty years later:

No one has been brought to justice
Many key details remain unclear
Survivors and families continue to grapple with unanswered questions

The event marked a profound rupture in the community and shaped Enniskillen’s modern history.

Mario Ledwith’s Personal Investigation

The podcast is hosted by Mario Ledwith, a reporter for The Times, who was born in Enniskillen. Ledwith’s personal connection to the town adds depth and sensitivity to the investigation.

In his words:

“This massacre changed my town forever. Hardly anything was known about how this dreadful attack unfolded. I spent twelve months investigating, speaking to those directly affected, to understand why the victims’ search for answers has been so difficult.”

Ledwith’s investigation blends journalistic rigor with a deeply human perspective, aiming to uncover what went wrong, why the truth has been so elusive, and the impact on the families left behind.

What Listeners Can Expect

The Poppy Day Bomb goes beyond recounting the historical events, offering a multi-dimensional exploration of the tragedy through:

Firsthand survivor interviews – recounting memories of the bombing and its aftermath
Family testimonies – revealing the enduring pain and quest for justice
Perspectives from former republicans – providing insight into the motives and context behind the attack
Insights from security officials – exploring investigation challenges and why justice has been delayed

Production Excellence and Journalistic Integrity

The podcast is produced by Will Roe, who described it as:

“A brave and commendable piece of journalism, featuring compelling interviews and meticulous research.”

Dan Box, head of podcasts at The Times, emphasized that The Poppy Day Bomb continues the outlet’s tradition of high-quality investigative audio, following acclaimed series such as Cocaine Inc. and Poison, the latter later adapted for Channel 4.

Why This Podcast Matters in 2025

The Enniskillen bombing is more than a historical event—it remains a lens through which the complexities of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, unresolved trauma, and systemic justice challenges can be examined.

The series encourages reflection on:

The long-term impact of terrorism on small communities
How historical wounds continue to affect families decades later
The importance of investigative journalism in keeping historical truths alive