Born in 1991

Ireland's economy was improving steadily, and the mood was beginning to shift. Confidence was returning. The Maastricht Treaty was being negotiated — Ireland would vote on European integration again, and would again vote yes.

Computer companies and pharmaceutical firms were expanding their Irish operations. In Dublin, cafe culture was arriving, menus were becoming more adventurous, and the pace of city life was accelerating. The Celtic Tiger was still years away, but it was coming.