Hopscotch and Queenie-i-o: A 1960s Irish Childhood Book

Before the 1970s flipped the switch to colour, Irish children were raised in a world of black, white and an awful lot of grey. Official 1960s Ireland promoted a dour, uniform society. Children were 'protected' from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones by a virtual pop blackout on RTE radio and TV. But kids, being kids, found endless ways to have fun. Do you remember Daithi Lacha, Billy Bunter and holidays in Butlin's Mosney? What about Drill Displays, Smiths Crisps and compulsory Lent? Then this is the book for you. Damian Corless takes us on a tongue-in-cheek trip down memory lane to the age of Let's Draw With Blaithin, games of Relievio and monthly mobile libraries. Set against a backdrop of the Golden Jubilee of the Easter Rising, the visit of President Kennedy and the introduction of free education, this is a delightful celebration of the days we thought would never end, but that have vanished forever.Read More