1977

The 'Brendan Voyage' ends in Newfoundland after a 4,000-mile journey across the Atlantic, retracing the path of sixth-century Irish monks. Queen Elizabeth celebrates 25 years on the British throne and visits Northern Ireland, where protests occur. Punk rock surges in popularity, with the Sex Pistols releasing 'God Save The Queen.' Ireland's 'Hot Press' magazine launches, targeting the youth market. In Dublin, a 12-hour armed siege at a store ends with a surrender. Fine Gael addresses rising crime with tougher laws. An industrial dispute at Shannonbridge ESB causes power cuts for a week. Dublin wins the All-Ireland Football Final and Cork claims the Hurling title. The Ferenka plant in Limerick shuts down, costing 1,400 jobs. A deadly jet collision in Tenerife kills 574 people. Fianna Fail wins a landslide victory in the general election, and the Boomtown Rats score their first Top Ten hit. Steve Biko dies in police custody, and a loyalist strike in Northern Ireland fails.