Jadotville, Brussels and Montrose
Archived: 8 October 2026
In 1961, Ireland remained rural, economically dependent on Britain and affected by emigration, as the census population fell to 2,818,341. Seán Lemass's government pursued modernisation through legislation, industrial development and outward-looking trade policy. Fianna Fáil retained office after October's general election but lacked a majority, leaving Lemass dependent on a narrow Dáil vote. Ireland applied to join the European Economic Community, chiefly to protect trade links and agricultural exports amid Britain's application. In Katanga, Commandant Pat Quinlan's A Company fought at Jadotville, surrendered after isolation, and returned from captivity. Telefís Éireann's inaugural broadcast on 31 December marked a new medium.
