Born in 1955

Ireland joined the United Nations, finally, and took its place in the community of nations. It was a moment of national pride. In the cities, dancehalls were the great social institution — showbands were beginning their rise to enormous popularity, playing versions of American and British hits for enthusiastic crowds.

The Legion of Mary and other Catholic organisations were active in every parish. Irish society was tightly bound together by faith, tradition, and the shared experience of getting by.