Born in 1988

Ireland's economy was beginning to stabilise, helped by EC structural funds and the social partnership framework. Young people were still leaving, but the pace was slowing. In culture, Ireland was thriving — the film industry was producing interesting work, the theatre scene was vibrant, traditional music was global.

Rain Man was the big film. At home, late-night pubs were still years away, but the country's night life was slowly diversifying beyond the local pub and the parish hall.