A Look Back At
Born in 1958
What Was Life Like in 1958?
Who Was in Charge?
Taoiseach
Éamon de Valera
What Things Cost
Petrol (per litre)
2s 3d/gal
Loaf of Bread
7d
Average House
£2,000
Weekly Wage
£5
Top Film
Vertigo
What Was Life Really Like?
T. K. Whitaker, the civil servant whose genius shaped modern Ireland, published Economic Development — the blueprint that would guide the country's transformation.
It called for foreign investment, free trade, and an end to the protectionism that had kept Ireland poor. Lemass embraced it. The country was about to change direction fundamentally, though most people didn't know it yet.
In the meantime, life continued: the rosary, the creamery, the mart, the pub, the GAA match on Sunday.
Popular Toys & Games
- Hula Hoop
- Lego Bricks
- Barbie (prototype)
Irish Chart Song in 1958
Who's Sorry Now
Connie Francis
Irish #1 in 1958