Beyond the Brighton Bomb: A Journey of Listening and Transformation
26 Feb 2026
“An enemy is someone whose story you have never heard.” In a world often framed as a zero–sum game, the story of Jo Berry CBE and Pat Magee serves as a profound, living reminder that even the deepest wounds can lead to a path of listening, dignity, and hope.
The latest episode of the Corrymeela podcast is now available, featuring a live conversation between two individuals brought together by one of the most high–profile tragedies of the Troubles.
Recorded at the Black Box in Belfast during a recent Borderlands event, the episode captures a dialogue that challenges our understanding of conflict, justice, and the possibility of friendship. Borderlands is a monthly series led by Corrymeela’s Jonny Clark and a dedicated cluster of partners, designed to platform the stories of those whose lives were shaped on opposite sides of violence—victims, survivors, and former combatants.
A Story of Unlikely Friendship
Jo Berry and Pat Magee were brought together by one of the most high–profile tragedies of the Troubles: the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing, which killed Jo’s father, Sir Anthony Berry. Years after the event, Jo made the extraordinary decision to seek out Pat, the man responsible for the attack.
Rather than a single moment of closure, their meeting sparked a long, evolving journey of dialogue that has lasted decades. Since then, they have shared their story over 300 times, serving as a living reminder that transformation remains possible even in a world often framed as “zero–sum”.
“An enemy is someone whose story you have never heard.”
Imagining a Shared Society
The event took place just days before the annual Day of Reflection on 21st June. Held on the longest day of the year to symbolise “the day of most light,” it is a time for the community to stop and reflect on the pain of past conflict while imagining the possibility of a truly shared society.
Jo and Pat’s courage highlights that even within the most entrenched and painful conflicts, there is room for listening, dignity, and hope.
How to Listen
You can listen to the full conversation, “Season 4, Episode 2: Jo Berry and Pat Magee — Beyond the Brighton Bomb,” via the link below:
To learn more about Jo Berry’s ongoing work in peacebuilding and restorative justice, you can also visit her official website here.