1976

Lady Hazel Lavery's face disappears from the £5 note. A new design features poet and philosopher John Scotus Erigena. Riots turn into open revolt in the black township of Soweto. Hundreds of people die. As violent protests spread across South Africa, security forces are told to restore order 'at all costs'. RHODESIA: Prime Minister Ian Smith accepts a two-year plan to end white minority rule. Rhodesia's black leaders prepare for power. Red Hurley sings 'When' for Ireland in the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest. Brotherhood of Man win for the U.K. with 'Save Your Kisses For Me'. Cabinet Minister Paddy Donegan provokes a constitutional crisis. He reportedly calls President Cearbhall O Dalaigh ' a thundering disgrace' after the President delays signing tough new anti-crime laws. Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh resigns as President. A Fianna Fail candidate is elected unopposed. Patrick Hillery becomes Ireland's sixth President. Princess Grace buys her ancestral home in Co. Mayo. It is a two-room cottage on 35 acres of land. The move angers some local farmers who wanted the land for themselves. In Britain, Harold Wilson resigns as Prime Minister. He has led the Labour Party for 13 years. James Callaghan wins the contest to succeed Harold Wilson. The new Prime Minister makes economic reform a priority. Ireland struggles in deep recession. Finance Minister Richie Ryan takes drastic measures. He introduces the toughest Budget since the Second World War. Abba dominate the pop charts in 1976. 'Money, Money, Money' is one of four Top Ten hits this year. A nationwide bank strike brings widespread disruption. Although the strike ends after ten weeks, many businesses run short of cash. Eamon Coghlan is Ireland's brightest athletics star. At the Montreal Olympics, the Dubliner leads the 1500m final. The final ends in disappointment for Eamon Coghlan, as he finishes in fourth place. A young Romanian gymnast wins three gold medals at the Games. Nadia Comaneci is 14 years old. She is the first gymnast ever to be awarded a perfect score of 10.00. American President Gerald Ford goes for re-election. He defeats challenger Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination. Jimmy Carter is the Democratic candidate. On 2 November, Jimmy Carter is elected U.S. President. KINGSMILLS, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh: Following the killing of six Catholics by loyalist paramilitaries, ten Protestant workmen are shot dead in a border ambush, widely believed to be the work of the IRA. On 9 July, a new British Ambassador to Ireland is appointed. 12 days later, Christopher Ewart-Biggs and a senior civil servant are killed when their car is blown up by an IRA landmine. As Anne Maguire is out walking with her four young children, an IRA getaway car crashes into the family. Three of the Maguire children are killed. The deaths become a focus for public grief and anger. A new mass movement grows out of the Maguire tragedy. The 'Peace People' make the simplest of demands - an end to violence. Although the peace movement thrives for only a few months, it provides a rare glimpse of unity and hope. ALL-IRELAND HURLING FINAL: Cork v Wexford. Cork are two goals down after eight minutes. The Rebels fight back to win 2-21 to 4-11. FOOTBALL FINAL: 'Heffo's Army' returns to Croke Park in 1976. Dublin meet Kerry in the football final for the second year running. Although Kerry won the last time, the Jacks are back this year. Dublin win by 3-8 to 0-10. Playlist: Hot Chocolate - You Sexy Thing The Eagles - Take It To The Limit Red Hurley - When Brotherhood Of Man - Save Your Kisses For Me Billy Ocean - Love Really Hurts Without You Abba - Money, Money, Money The Bellamy Brothers - Let Your Love Flow Sutherland Brothers/ Quiver - Arms of Mary Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town