Aisling Bea shocked over 'shameful' past as she admits 'that's hard to hear'

Aisling Bea grapples with the truth as she uncovers her family's history in the latest episode of BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?

The award-winning actor, comedian and screenwriter from Kildare, Ireland features in Tuesday's (May 20) episode of the popular show where she delves into the archives to learn more about her lineage.

In County Limerick, Aisling meets historian Dr Richard McMahon, who presents some fascinating documents.

Aisling discovers that her three-times great-grandparents James and Martha Sheehy were significant farmers in the area, providing them with a respectable income and social status in the community.

A newspaper article discloses that the Sheehys fell victim to a violent crime: a band of men invaded their property, wrecked farming equipment, stole arms and money from the house, and assaulted Aisling's three-times great-grandfather, reports Belfast Live.

Richard informs Aisling that the nature of the attack suggests it was likely driven by economic resentment rather than mere theft.

Aisling learns that James succumbed to his injuries, leaving her three-times great-grandmother Martha a widow with a family to provide for.

Letters from Martha to the Lord Lieutenant General, Governor of Ireland, reveal Aisling's three-times great-grandmother pleading for financial assistance, to no avail.

These letters date from just before the Great Famine and Aisling is concerned that things do not bode well for Martha and her family.

However, historical records from the early 1850s, shortly after the famine, paint a contrasting picture, revealing that Martha significantly expanded her leased land.

While countless impoverished tenant farmers were evicted, Martha seized the opportunity to enlarge her estate.

For Aisling, grappling with this revelation is challenging. She respects Martha's resilient spirit and her ability to sustain her family, yet she's troubled by the notion that her ancestors prospered during a time when so many in Ireland faced severe hardship and suffering.

Aisling, expectant during the documentary's production, confided in Dr Richard: "That is hard to hear I'll be honest. Having spent all of our childhood learning about the Irish famine in our history classes it does make me feel shameful to be honest."

Who Do You Think You Are? continues Tuesday, May 20 on BBC One at 9pm