In 2005, Joseph O'Callaghan's testimony helped convict two drug-dealing gangsters for murder, and he became the youngest person ever to enter the Witness Protection Programme in Ireland.
Now, as the men he put away agitate for release, he tells his extraordinary life story in his own words for the first time.
Following the publication of Nicola Tallant’s best-selling book The Witness, The Witness: In His Own Words is an ambitious and powerful documentary podcast series produced by the team behind The Stand with Eamon Dunphy.
The level of respect I have for Joseph is just as I’ve said in my heading. An incredible survivor who’s endured circumstances most people can’t comprehend and has an ingrained sense of right and wrong that can be heard in his own words. I’m blown away. Sending love and best wishes doesn’t sound enough but thank you for sharing your story.
Utterly compelling.
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*tashyyy*
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2021-07-13
Raw, brave and brutally honest. Huge respect and compassion to Joey. Thank you for sharing your story.
Gripping .
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SFCMCE
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2021-07-12
Fantastic , great tense real story with a lovely accent . Can’t go wrong with this .
The incredible story of a brave young man
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Sueboogaloo
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2021-07-12
Really enjoyed listening to Joeys story. It’s incredible to hear what he has been through, especially at such a young age and how brave he has been. I think it’s really important to find out about the lives of others and what goes on in the world that you may not have any experience of. Thank you Joey for sharing
Brilliant
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Fi_ry
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2021-07-11
Incredible. Gripping story so well told. Needs to be a film.
Brilliant
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Kilts_and_camels
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2021-07-10
If you weren’t hearing this in his own words, you’d think this was an elaborate film plot. I felt tense listening to every episode.
Joey is articulate and tells his story brilliantly. To keep such a strong sense of right and wrong despite going through a nightmare is inspiring.
Amazing
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Badgers Drift
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2021-07-10
Incredible story told very well. So brave to do what he did, such admiration for Joey. Brian Kenny should be banged up for ever.
So brave
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RHZH92
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2021-07-06
Amazing that joeys convictions in what’s right and wrong stayed with him in the darkest of times despite his environment. Brian Kenny can never be released !!!!
Respect
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Ruby Amd
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2021-07-06
So much respect for Joey, it cannot be easy to recall the abuse and trauma he faced growing up and so articulately as well. Much respect to you Joey.
Truly heartbreaking
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jendow123
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2021-07-06
Joey is so incredibly brave to share his story with us. I am so sorry this happened to you Joey but so glad you had the courage to escape your torment and reclaim your life.
This is an example of trafficking and modern slavery which happened in Ireland to an Irish citizen, a child. It is so sickening.
Wow
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clare-no-hair
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2021-07-05
Found this podcast today and listened to all seven episodes in one day. I was hooked. Unbelievable story and so well told. I kept wanting to hear more then sadness that this was joes life. Highly recommend
Great Listen
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BettyJee
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2021-07-05
Great listen. I listened no stop.
Not sure.
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SB.london
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2021-07-04
Finding this quite boring to be honest. Very slow and not enlightening ‘oomph’ for me. Sorry.
Heartbreaking
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Seraphina8
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2021-07-04
I have so much respect for Joey. The sickening story of being trapped by a sociopathic narcissistic gangster details a truly terrifying world. I wish Joey much deserved peace in his life.
OMFG
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winterwoollies
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2021-07-03
So good this. Thanks for sharing your story Joseph, so incredibly brave. I hope the Irish Government do the right thing and never release your abuser from prison.
Poor Joey
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GEDPE
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2021-07-02
I have binged listening to this and I don’t want to say I have enjoyed listening to this awful story but I really want to know how he got out of it. Fascinating , I just can’t believe he lived through this, poor guy. Nobody at school noticed he was at risk ?????How very sad.
Witness
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nonamesleft !
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2021-07-02
How Brave !
Compelling Stuff
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Dawn AB
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2021-07-02
This is such a compelling podcast. Raw and brutal but very real. Highly recommend
Gobsmacked
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Shaerobbins
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2021-07-01
I’ve just listened to all 6 episodes back to back as I couldn’t let go of this story.
It’s heartbreaking and difficult to listen to at times, but being told by the survivor makes it easier.
Sometimes your eyes are opened to other people’s lives, that you can’t even imagine. This podcast does so in a very frank, honest way that allows you to try, in some way, to understand what has been experienced, through the victims voice.
I’m so proud of how brave he is and although I’m horrified at the abuse suffered, I feel privileged to be witness to an insight of a world I wouldn’t know of if not for this.
The saying be kind to people as you don’t know what they are going through doesn’t even touch the surface of this story.
Brilliant work to everyone involved.
Amazing
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Nicball222
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2021-06-30
I just love this, look forward to the next episode.
Excellent podcast
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gemz1710
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2021-06-30
After listening to four episodes I purchased the book! Currently reading it in the voice of Joseph O’Callaghan. A great podcast/read of how brave one man can be. Would highly recommend
Wow
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Lemony chello
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2021-06-29
Really gripping and heart-breaking. Six episodes in and I can’t wait to hear episode 7. It’s really powerful hearing it in the witness’s own words as well. Can’t quite believe that this is real.
Gripping.
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nickeeeeeeta
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2021-06-28
Difficult to wait a week for next instalment.
Heartbreaking and inspiring
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LouisaS89
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2021-06-27
What a story!!! What a life... heartbreaking and frankly shocking. Thank you for sharing. I am hooked.. and will be reading the book too now.
Brilliant yet harrowing!
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Cazbebo
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2021-06-27
I've been listening to crime podcasts for around 6 years, yet this is one of the best I've ever heard. A unique story that's hard to believe happened, only it did! A sad story of a young man who was groomed into drug and gang life all the while terrified for his and his family's life. I hope he has now found the peace he deserves in life.
Amazing
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Kev171081
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2021-06-24
Possibly the best podcast I’ve listened to. Gritty, un-nerving, emotional and as real as it gets. The level of detail leaves nothing to the imagination. True bravery to tell such a harrowing story such a torn childhood. Can not wait for the next instalment. I can’t recommend this podcast highly enough.
The Witness
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Man bum
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2021-06-23
Listened to this while hoovering the house!
This podcast was absolutely brilliant..
such bravery in this young boy to a young man.
6 episodes in I’m utterly hooked.
Waiting patiently for episode 7
Incredible story
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AJBurg
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2021-06-22
This is just such an incredible story. Jospeh tells his story so dignifiedly. My heart breaks for 11 year old Joseph but what a remarkable boy and later man!
Jadsan72020
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Jadsan72020
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2021-06-22
Fantastic Book, incredibly chilling podcast. Such a remarkable and yet sad tale of how those who have the courage to speak out are often left behind and forgotten about once they have ‘served their purpose’. Joey was there to help the State when they needed him but where were the state when Joey needed them?
Absolutely fantastic!!!!
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d yes cd vb
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2021-06-14
Just wanted to say this is one of the best podcasts I've ever listened to.!! Please nicola keep doing this type of thing I love your work and style of journalism.
