Season 3 · Episode 2

Reeling in the Years: 1971

Ireland's top businessman, Tony O'Reilly, predicts more foreign investment but warns against multinational dominance. Irish art students demand curriculum reforms, while RTE prepares for its first live colour TV production during the Eurovision Song Contest. Fianna Fail faces internal strife as Kevin Boland challenges leadership over the Arms Crisis and calls for action on Northern Ireland, ultimately defeated by Patrick Hillery. In Vietnam, South Vietnam disrupts the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the US continues withdrawing troops. The Irish Women's Liberation Movement protests the contraception ban. Cigarette ads are banned on TV, while the drinks trade flourishes. Internment without trial is introduced in Northern Ireland, causing widespread violence and refugee displacement. China joins the UN despite US opposition, and President Nixon plans a visit. Kilkenny loses to Tipperary in hurling, while Offaly beats Galway in football. Ireland adopts a new decimal currency.