Episode 519: The death of Garda killer and IRA volunteer Pearse McAuley

IRA killer Pearse McAuley lived a life of violence as an IRA volunteer and later as a prison bully and a brutal domestic abuser.

Found dead aged 59 at his home in Strabane in County Tyrone he leaves behind a legacy of fear and intimidation spanning decades of controversy.

One of a four man team who shot dead Detective Garda Jerry McCabe during a botched post officer robbery in 1996 he was given the full support of Sinn Fein as a political prisoner.

But when he attacked and stabbed his former wife, Sinn Fein Councillor Pauline Tully, he became ostracised from his old supporters.

Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about the life and legacy of McAuley the terrorist who went from hero to villain.

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