The Deadly Irish Fairy Tale of 1895

Send us Fan MailDive into the chilling true story explored in the latest episode of What’s Shakin With Shaner. Host Shakin Shaner and sidekick Psycho Bob the Cat unravel the infamous murder of Bridget Cleary—a case that blends Irish folklore, superstition, and tragedy.Set in rural Ireland in 1895, the episode recounts how Michael Cleary, convinced his wife Bridget was a fairy changeling, subjected her to a brutal ordeal that ended in her death. The narrative delves into the cultural backdrop: a country still reeling from famine, divided by politics, and steeped in beliefs about fairies and witchcraft. Bridget, an ambitious and independent woman, became the target of suspicion and ultimately, violence.Listeners are taken through the events leading up to the crime, the community’s role, and the sensational trial that followed. The episode also explores the broader impact of the case on Irish society and politics, questioning whether superstition or deeper motives drove Michael Cleary’s actions.The show closes with thought-provoking questions for the audience: Did Michael truly believe in the fairy legend, or was it a calculated act? Was he a victim of delusion, or something more sinister? The mystery lingers, inviting listeners to reflect and share their theories.Tune in for a gripping blend of history, folklore, and true crime—where the line between myth and reality blurs, and the consequences are deadly.