Reeling in the Years

Dublin enters the 1970s with a thriving 'night club' scene. The ill-fated Apollo 13 mission blasts off for the moon.An onboard explosion threatens disaster and death. After a 250,000-mile journey, the astronauts return safely to earth. Pele makes his mark as Brazil wins the 1970 World Cup. Ireland's Catholic bishops agree to lift the Church ban which prevents its members from attending Trinity College, Dublin. Eamon and Sinead de Valera celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Dublin's new 'Dandelion Market' opens for business. A Derry teenager represents Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest. Dana wins with 'All Kinds Of Everything'. Ireland celebrates its first-ever Eurovision Song Contest victory. In Nigeria, Biafran rebels surrender to the federal army. The war for Biafra's independence has gone on for over two years . More than one million people have died from starvation alone. The U.S. continues to withdraw its own combat troops from Vietnam. It gives it's South Vietnamese allies a bigger role in the war. KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, OHIO 4 May . U.S. National Guardsmen open fire on anti-war protestors. Four people are killed. U.S. President Richard Nixon visits Ireland in October .There are anti-war protests at the American Embassy. Refugee camps remain open in the South to deal with the influx of Northern Catholics fleeing the Troubles. Increased sectarian rioting and intimidation force hundreds of people to leave their homes forever. There are widespread riots and nightly gun battles. JORDAN. Arab hijackers force three aircraft to land in a remote airstrip. Hundreds of passengers and crew are held hostage. After Western countries release several Palestinian prisoners, the hijackers free their hostages and blow up the empty planes. In Dublin, anti-apartheid protestors greet the South African rugby tour. Lansdowne Road has a cordon of Gardai and barbed wire. Ireland draw 9-9 with the Springboks. Cork are All-Irelan

Ireland's most successful businessman, Tony O'Reilly, forecasts increased foreign investment in Ireland but warns against complete control passing to multinational companies in New York, London or Paris. Irish art students in Dublin demand radical changes to their college and its curriculum. Ireland hosts the Eurovision Song Contest in April. RTE prepares for its first-ever live colour TV production. Angela Farrell represents Ireland with 'One Day Love'. Severine wins for Monaco with "Un Banc, Un Arbre, Une Rue". The Fianna Fail Ard-Fheis turns nasty. A deeply divided party witnesses a public power struggle as Kevin Boland directly challenges the Fianna Fail leadership over its behaviour in the previous year's Arms Crisis. In open defiance of traditional Fianna Fail policy, the Boland faction also demands militant action on Northern Ireland. Patrick Hillery faces down the challengers. The party leadership wins a decisive victory. VIETNAM South Vietnamese forces sweep into neighbouring Laos to disrupt the North's 'Ho Chi Minh Trail' supply line. The U.S. continues its gradual withdrawal of combat troops. Many Vietnam veterans join the anti-war movement in the U.S. In May, the Irish Women's Liberation Movement leads a cross-Border protest against the Republic's ban on contraception. Contraceptives bought in Belfast are brought back on the train to Dublin. CLEW BAY Co. Mayo Hippies set up a commune on a remote island. The hippies claim they are creating a new society for the future. Cigarette advertising is banned on television this year. The nation has a booming drinks trade in 1971 . Across rural Ireland, there is one pub for every 250 people. An award-winning RTE drama, "A Day in the Life of Martin Cluxton", tells the story of a young Dubliner in and out of industrial school. On 9 August, the NI government introduces internment without trial. Hundreds of Catholics are 'lifted' in pre-dawn raids. The operation is directed only at the I

After the government agrees that Ireland will join the European Economic Community, a referendum campaign follows at home. Labour and other left-wing groups oppose entry into the Common Market. The ruling Fianna Fail party urges people to vote 'Yes' . Fine Gael unites with Fianna Fail in campaigning for EEC entry. Ireland says 'Yes' to Europe by 1,041,880 votes to 211,888. In the American presidential campaign, Senator George McGovern leads the Democratic Party challenge. Vice-President Agnew and President Nixon go for re-election. Richard Nixon looks forward to four more years in office.Few people comment on a small break-in during the campaign... at the Democratic Party offices in Washington's Watergate Building... Unemployment hits hard in the West of Ireland. Thousands of people travel to England to look for jobs. The search for work divides many families across the Irish Sea. With their husbands abroad, many Irish mothers bring up their children alone. CALCUTTA: A group of nuns tends to the sick and dying. Mother Theresa returns to Ireland where she began her religious life 54 years ago. Derry, 30 January. Thirteen unarmed civil rights marchers are shot dead by British paratroopers. The Bloody Sunday deaths provoke immediate reactions of fury and disbelief. In Dublin, a crowd burns down the British Embassy in Merrion Square. A British inquiry into the killings is quickly established... ...and quickly concludes that at worst, firing 'bordered on the reckless'. No British soldier is ever convicted or even disciplined for his actions. Lord Widgery's report is widely dismissed as a whitewash. The Provisional IRA bombs a Belfast restaurant. 2 people are killed - 130 more are injured. The Official IRA strikes directly against a Parachute Regiment base. The 'no-warning' bomb kills five cleaning women, a gardener and a priest. Muhammad Ali, the former world heavyweight champion comes to Dublin to fight in Croke Park. Ali's opponent, Al '

Ireland's politicians go on the campaign trail in the 1973 general election. The Fine Gael-Labour coalition wins a two-seat Dail majority. It is the first change of government for sixteen years. A report published on the status of women in Ireland recommends radical changes to promote equality. While the Civil Service finally ends its 'marriage bar', women in manufacturing earn just 43% of the hourly pay of men. Seven years after the first families moved in, Ballymun still lacks adequate social and community facilities. There are 6,000 children under the age of 6 in a total population of 17,000 people. Rehearsals begin for the Irish production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. Luke Kelly plays King Herod, Colm Wilkinson plays Judas Iscariot and Tony Kenny takes the title role. Peace negotiators agree terms for the ending of the Vietnam War. Over 50,000 Americans have died in the last 11 years. South Vietnamese losses are estimated at 400,000, while the North Vietnamese/Vietcong death toll is 900,000. 18 years after he was ousted from power by the military, Juan Peron is re-elected President of Argentina. His second wife, Isabel, becomes vice-president. Northern Ireland's voters go the polls in 1973. They elect an Assembly to replace the old Stormont parliament. Plans emerge for a power-sharing Executive in the North, and for a North-South Council of Ireland. The Sunningdale Agreement is signed although there are worries about Unionist opposition. CHILE: Marxist President Salvador Allende dies in a military coup. Evidence later emerges of strong US backing for the coup. General Pinochet replaces the democratically- elected Allende. Thousands of people are rounded up by military death squads. Many of them are never seen again. The IRA uses a hijacked helicopter to free three of its members from Mountjoy Jail in Dublin. 1973 also sees the discovery of an arms shipment on board a Cypriot coaster, when Irish naval vessels stop and search the 'Claudia'

After the sudden death of Erskine Childers, Cearbhall ó Dálaigh becomes the fifth President of Ireland. 1974 sees a major bus strike in Dublin. Dubliners find different ways of getting around. The Army is brought in to provide transport. Normal service resumes after nine weeks. At the World Cup Final in Munich, West Germany beat Holland 2-1. U.S. President Richard Nixon fights the 'Watergate' scandal. He is implicated in political 'dirty tricks' , including attempts to 'bug' opponents and covering up a break-in. The President also loses legal battles in the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court . Faced with impeachment, Richard Nixon resigns. Richard Nixon becomes the first U.S. President to resign office. EUROVISION SONG CONTEST Brighton, 6 April - Once Abba take the stage, the rest is history... The musical 'Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' is the biggest stage hit in Dublin this year. The cast includes a young comedian and singer Brendan Grace. At the Gulf Oil terminal on Whiddy Island a tanker spills crude oil into Bantry Bay. Locals are angry at the lack of measures to prevent the oil spill. DUBLIN 17 May Loyalists explode three car bombs without warning as the streets are busy with people on a Friday evening. The death toll rises to thirty-three after another car bomb explodes in Monaghan. In the history of Ireland's Troubles, it is the highest-ever number of people killed on one day. No-one is ever arrested for the the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. CYPRUS 20 July Turkish armed forces invade the island. The attack follows a military coup by Greek officers. Turkey claims it is acting to protect its population on the island. The war divides the state of Cyprus in two. Having begun his career in showbands during the Sixties, Rory Gallagher is now one of Ireland's most successful international musicians. 1974 sees another sellout concert tour by the Corkman. Nell McCafferty brings a new style of campaigning journalism

Dutch industrialist Tiede Herrema is kidnapped from his Limerick home. His IRA captors threaten to to kill him unless the government releases three republican prisoners from jail. A siege begins at a council house in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. Dr Herrema communicates secretly with Gardai during the siege. The armed stand-off continues for another seventeen days. Marion Coyle and Eddie Gallagher surrender. SAIGON: Two years after signing a treaty that guaranteed they would not invade the South, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces seize power in Saigon. The U.S. Embassy is the last hope for many trying to flee the city. Only Westerners and well-connected locals are airlifted to safety. Fourteen years after the first U.S. military intervention, the Vietnam war ends. It is five years since the scandal of the Arms Crisis and 1975 sees the end of Charles Haughey's time in the political wilderness. The former Cabinet minister returns to frontbench politics, becoming Opposition spokesman on Health. Britain's Conservatives get a new leader: Margaret Thatcher is the first woman to lead a British political party. She beats four male rivals in the contest to succeed Ted Heath. 29 August: Eamon de Valera dies. His life had spanned the history of the Irish State He had been a leader of the 1916 Rising, Taoiseach for 21 years and President for 14. BALCOMBE STREET London. An IRA gang holds two people hostage in a flat. The four gunmen demand safe passage to Ireland. British authorities refuse to negotiate. A six-day siege ends peacefully. In Northern Ireland, 'internment without trial' ends after four years. The last detainees are freed from the Maze Prison at Long Kesh. Following its success in winning the European Prize for Folk Art, Siamsa Tire opens its second 'teach siamsa' centre this year. On 31 July, as The Miami Showband return to the South after a gig in Co. Down, they are victims of a sectarian ambush by the UVF. Fran O'Toole their lead

Lady Hazel Lavery's face disappears from the £5 note. A new design features poet and philosopher John Scotus Erigena. Riots turn into open revolt in the black township of Soweto. Hundreds of people die. As violent protests spread across South Africa, security forces are told to restore order 'at all costs'. RHODESIA: Prime Minister Ian Smith accepts a two-year plan to end white minority rule. Rhodesia's black leaders prepare for power. Red Hurley sings 'When' for Ireland in the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest. Brotherhood of Man win for the U.K. with 'Save Your Kisses For Me'. Cabinet Minister Paddy Donegan provokes a constitutional crisis. He reportedly calls President Cearbhall O Dalaigh ' a thundering disgrace' after the President delays signing tough new anti-crime laws. Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigns as President. A Fianna Fail candidate is elected unopposed. Patrick Hillery becomes Ireland's sixth President. Princess Grace buys her ancestral home in Co. Mayo. It is a two-room cottage on 35 acres of land. The move angers some local farmers who wanted the land for themselves. In Britain, Harold Wilson resigns as Prime Minister. He has led the Labour Party for 13 years. James Callaghan wins the contest to succeed Harold Wilson. The new Prime Minister makes economic reform a priority. Ireland struggles in deep recession. Finance Minister Richie Ryan takes drastic measures. He introduces the toughest Budget since the Second World War. Abba dominate the pop charts in 1976. 'Money, Money, Money' is one of four Top Ten hits this year. A nationwide bank strike brings widespread disruption. Although the strike ends after ten weeks, many businesses run short of cash. Eamon Coghlan is Ireland's brightest athletics star. At the Montreal Olympics, the Dubliner leads the 1500m final. The final ends in disappointment for Eamon Coghlan, as he finishes in fourth place. A young Romanian gymnast wins three gold medals at the Games. Nadia Comaneci

The 'Brendan Voyage' comes to an end. Having followed the legendary journey of sixth-century Irish monks, the crew reaches harbour in Newfoundland. The 'Brendan' has sailed 4,000 miles across the Atlantic. Queen Elizabeth celebrates twenty-five years on Britain's throne. The Queen visits Northern Ireland for the first time in 11 years. Republicans march in protest down the Falls Road. 'Punk rock' storms the music charts this year. The Sex Pistols deliver their own version of 'God Save The Queen'. Ireland gets a new music magazine this year. 'Hot Press' targets the growing youth market. FAIRVIEW, DUBLIN: An armed siege begins at a cash-and-carry store, as raiders hold nine hostages at gunpoint. The siege lasts for over twelve hours before the eight-man gang surrenders to Gardai. The Fine Gael-led Coalition responds to rising crime with strong legislation and strongarm tactics. SHANNONBRIDGE ESB STATION: Workers begin industrial action over manning levels and back pay. As the dispute spreads, pubs and restaurants work by candlelight. After a week of power cuts, the dispute is resolved. DUBLIN v ARMAGH: All-Ireland Football Final. Dublin are champions for the second year in a row. Cork also win a second consecutive All-Ireland title when they beat Wexford in the Hurling Final. In Limerick , the Ferenka steelcord plant shuts down. Efforts to save the plant are complicated by inter-union disputes. 1400 jobs go at Ferenka. TENERIFE 27 March: Two jumbo jets collide in bad weather. 574 people die in the worst accident in aviation history. The 1977 general election : Fine Gael hopes to continue in Coalition government with theLabour Party. Fianna Fail asks voters to 'Bring Back Jack'. It promises higher public spending and big tax cuts. Jack Lynch leads Fianna Fail to landslide victory and a twenty-seat majority in the Dail. As a new generation of TDs comes to power, Charles Haughey returns to Cabinet. THE BOOMTOWN RATS: 'Looking After Num

In the year that Kinsale gas becomes commercially available, the search for oil continues off Ireland's coastline. £100m is spent on offshore exploration in 1978. America brokers a peace deal between Israel and Egypt. Although the accord raises hopes of a wider settlement across the Middle East, Lebanon remains a major flashpoint in the conflict. The city of Beirut is divided by civil war. Palestinian forces use Lebanon as a training base for attacks on Israel. 1978 also sees the deployment of Irish peace-keeping troops to the region. Citizens clash with Corporation over plans to build offices on the site of Dublin's original Viking settlement at Wood Quay. Thousands of people join a 'Friends Of Medieval Dublin' march. They demand that Wood Quay be preserved as an archaeological site. The authorities ignore the protestors and press ahead with the building. Viking Dublin disappears forever. 1978 is known as 'the year of three Popes' Pope Paul VI dies in August. Pope John Paul I dies after 33 days in office. A 58 year-old Polish Cardinal is elected in October. Karol Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II. 'LA MON' HOTEL Comber, Co. Down: The Provisional IRA commits one of the most savage atrocities of the Troubles. With minimal warning, it explodes a massive bomb in a crowded restaurant. Many of the victims are burnt alive. ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL FINAL: Dublin v Kerry. Eoin Liston gets a hat-trick as Kerry win by 5-11 to 0-9. In the hurling, Cork beat Kilkenny 1-15 to 2-8. It is Cork's third All-Ireland title in a row. CARNSORE POINT Co. Wexford: As the government advances plans to build an atomic power station, Ireland prepares to join Europe's 'nuclear family'. Supporters of nuclear power say it is a long-term alternative to oil. The Carnsore plan meets widespread opposition. Anti-nuclear campaigners gather at Carnsore in August. 5,000 people attend the protest festival. The government eventually drops the Carnsore proposal. County Cork is th

Vietnamese 'boat people' continue to flee their country. Desperate to escape poverty and persecution, they face danger and possible death on the open sea. Ireland is one of many Western countries to accept refugees. The government sets up a resettlement programme. Despite strong U.S. support, the Shah of Iran is ousted from power. Ayatollah Khomeini returns after fourteen years in exile. Iran becomes an Islamic republic. Amid a storm of anti-American protests, Muslim militants take dozens of people hostage at the U.S. Embassy. Pope John Paul II arrives on a three-day visit to Ireland. Over one million people attend a Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. In Drogheda, the Pope delivers a major address. Bishop Eamonn Casey rallies a crowd of young people in Galway. The Pope also visits Clonmacnois, Knock, Maynooth and Limerick. 1979 is the worst year ever for industrial disputes in Ireland. The Army gets called in during a nationwide bus strike. A national postal strike lasts for over four months. PAYE workers demand radical changes to Ireland's tax system. They earn 67% of the national income - but pay 87% of the State's income tax. On 20 March, an estimated 200,000 people protest across Ireland. Industrial disputes cost the economy over 1,460,000 working days this year. Gay Byrne gets a surprise on the 500th 'Late Late Show'. The interviewer is interviewed by Eamonn Andrews. At Bantry Bay on 8 January, an explosion destroys the oil tanker 'Betelguese' at Whiddy Island. Fifty people die. MULLAGHMORE, CO. SLIGO 27 August: Lord Louis Mountbatten's fishing boat is blown up by the IRA. 79-year-old Lord Mountbatten dies instantly. The IRA bomb also kills 82-year-old Lady Brabourne and two teenagers. On the same day, at Warrenpoint in Co. Down, 18 British soldiers die in another IRA bomb. CAMBODIA (KAMPUCHEA): Four years ago, the fanatical Khmer Rouge took power. It was 'Year Zero' - a brutal new beginning for Cambodia. In 1979, invadin