Granard, Henry Street and Howth
In 1984, recession, unemployment and industrial closures, including Ford Cork and Irish Shipping, shaped Irish life, while DART and the East-Link bridge improved Dublin transport. The New Ireland Forum developed a shared nationalist approach to Northern Ireland, although Thatcher rejected its options and violence continued, notably the Brighton bombing and supergrass case collapses. Reagan’s visit prompted both celebration and protest. Ann Lovett’s death in Granard and the Kerry babies investigation exposed harsh attitudes and institutional failings affecting unmarried pregnant women. Dunnes Stores workers began an anti-apartheid strike, while the GAA centenary provided a significant cultural celebration in Thurles that year.