Son of IRA murder victim calls Disney drama 'horrendous'

Michael McConville, the son of Jean McConville, who was murdered by the IRA, has expressed his strong disapproval of a new Disney drama titled Say Nothing. He described the portrayal of his mother's tragic story as 'horrendous' and 'cruel. ' The series, which is based on a book by Patrick Radden Keefe, explores the lives of individuals during a tumultuous period in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles. This conflict lasted nearly three decades and resulted in the deaths of over 3,500 people. Michael's mother, Jean, was one of the many individuals who were 'disappeared' by the IRA during this time. He stated that the show is just another retelling of his mother's story that he and his family have to endure. Michael has made it clear that he has no intention of watching the series, emphasizing that his mother's death is not a form of entertainment for him or his family. He remarked, 'This is our reality, every day for 52 years. ' The drama, which consists of nine episodes, is produced by FX and is available on Disney+ in the UK. It depicts the events of the Troubles, focusing on the experiences of two sisters, Dolours and Marian Price, who were significant figures in the IRA. The series has received positive reviews from critics, but for Michael, it is a painful reminder of his family's loss. He criticized the timing of the show's release, as it coincides closely with the anniversary of his mother's death on December 1. Michael expressed his deep sorrow over the way the show portrays the execution and secret burial of his mother, stating, 'Unless you have lived through it, you will never understand just how cruel it is. ' He believes that the story of Jean McConville is well-known, even to public figures like Hillary Clinton, and yet, he and his family must face yet another retelling of their tragedy. Jean McConville was taken from her home in December 1972. She was a mother of ten and had moved to a new area after her husband passed away from cancer. There were rumors that she was taken because she was seen helping a British soldier, while others accused her of being an informer. However, an official investigation dismissed these claims. The IRA admitted in 1999 that they had murdered nine individuals known as the Disappeared, including Jean McConville, and buried them in secret locations. It wasn't until 2003 that her remains were discovered on Shelling Hill Beach in County Louth, Ireland, with evidence showing she had died from a gunshot wound to the head. In the aftermath, the IRA issued an apology for the pain they caused the families of the Disappeared, acknowledging the long-lasting suffering that resulted from their actions.