Croke Park, Cloyne, Moneygall
In 2011, Ireland underwent political, economic and social upheaval. Fine Gael and Labour replaced Fianna Fáil after an election dominated by the banking crisis, EU–IMF programme, austerity, unemployment and emigration. Census 2011 recorded a growing, increasingly diverse population. Civil partnership commenced, extending legal recognition to same-sex couples. Queen Elizabeth II’s State visit, including Croke Park, and Barack Obama’s visit to Moneygall symbolised reconciliation and international connection, although dissident violence persisted in Northern Ireland. The Cloyne report exposed grave failures over clerical abuse allegations, damaging institutional trust. Michael D. Higgins became President, promising ethical citizenship and solidarity amid continuing national hardship.