1973

In the 1973 Irish general election, the Fine Gael-Labour coalition wins, marking the first change of government in 16 years. A report on women’s equality recommends major reforms, and while the Civil Service lifts the marriage bar, women in manufacturing earn only 43% of men’s pay. Ballymun still lacks adequate facilities despite housing 17,000 people, including 6,000 children. The Irish production of Jesus Christ Superstar begins rehearsals with Luke Kelly, Colm Wilkinson, and Tony Kenny. In global events, the Vietnam War ends, Juan Perón is re-elected in Argentina, and the IRA frees members in a helicopter escape. A military coup in Chile ousts President Allende. During the Yom Kippur War, Egypt and Syria attack Israel, escalating tensions. The Watergate scandal and Nixon’s legal battles unfold, while Erskine Childers is elected President of Ireland. In sports, Limerick wins the All-Ireland hurling final and Cork claims the football title. Thin Lizzy scores a UK hit.