Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe (Image via Youtube/FX Networks)

The dramatic true story behind Say Nothing, explained

Modified Nov 14, 2024 20:30 GMT

Say Nothing is a historical drama series created by Joshua Zetumer and directed by Micheal Lennox, Mary Nighy, Anthony Byrne, and Alice Seabright.

The series is based on a book by Patrick Radden which explores the life of two Provisional Irish Republican Army members in the times of The Troubles, a violent ethno-nationalist conflict that lasted from 1960 to 1998. The story is centered around the real-life kidnapping and murder of Jean McConville and follows the Price sisters, one of whom was involved in her murder.

Say Nothing stars Lola Petticrew, Hazel Doupe, Anthony Boyle, Josh Finan, and Micheal Colgan in prominent roles. It premiered on FX Network on November 14, 2024.

Is Say Nothing based on a true story?

Say Nothing is based on a 2018 book by writer and journalist Patrick Radden Keefe titled, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland. The book focuses on the 1972 abduction and murder of Jean McConville and tells the story of The Troubles in Northern Ireland through it. He began writing on the topic after reading an obituary for Dolores Price, one of the main characters in the series.

The series primarily follows two sisters, Dolours Price and Marian Price, who were actively involved in the Provisional Irish Republican Army activities in the early 70s. The sisters' parents and many family members were also IRA members, which propelled them to join the resistance.

The Price sisters were incredibly smart and efficient and soon were tasked with much riskier projects, which included the 1973 Old Bailey Bombing. Dolours and Marian were arrested and sent to prison in England. They immediately started a prolonged hunger strike to be transferred to a Northern Ireland prison, where they would have Special Category Status.

Marian was pardoned in 1980, while Dolours was freed in 1981. They both developed anorexia nervosa due to hunger strikes and force-feeding, putting their lives at risk. After getting released they maintained a private life away from politics but later they became vocal opponents of Sinn Fein and Garry Adams.

Dolours had suffered from depression all her life after getting released from prison and died on January 24, 2013, from the toxic effect of mixing prescribed sedatives and anti-depressant medication.

What happened to Jean McConville in Say Nothing?

The final episode of the series presents an imagined account of what would have happened to Jean McConville, who disappeared in December 1972 leaving 10 children behind. She was kidnapped, murdered, and secretly buried by PIRA for allegedly being an informant to the British Army. On August 27, 2003, her body was found on Shelling Hill Beach in County Louth.

Dolours admitted involvement in Jean McConville's murder and accused Garry Adams of being her officer commanding when she was in the IRA. She said that Jean's murder was ordered by him. Garry Adams, who was the president of Sinn Fein from 1983 to 2018, denied all the allegations.