1978

In the year that Kinsale gas becomes commercially available, the search for oil continues off Ireland's coastline. £100m is spent on offshore exploration in 1978. America brokers a peace deal between Israel and Egypt. Although the accord raises hopes of a wider settlement across the Middle East, Lebanon remains a major flashpoint in the conflict. The city of Beirut is divided by civil war. Palestinian forces use Lebanon as a training base for attacks on Israel. 1978 also sees the deployment of Irish peace-keeping troops to the region. Citizens clash with Corporation over plans to build offices on the site of Dublin's original Viking settlement at Wood Quay. Thousands of people join a 'Friends Of Medieval Dublin' march. They demand that Wood Quay be preserved as an archaeological site. The authorities ignore the protestors and press ahead with the building. Viking Dublin disappears forever. 1978 is known as 'the year of three Popes' Pope Paul VI dies in August. Pope John Paul I dies after 33 days in office. A 58 year-old Polish Cardinal is elected in October. Karol Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II. 'LA MON' HOTEL Comber, Co. Down: The Provisional IRA commits one of the most savage atrocities of the Troubles. With minimal warning, it explodes a massive bomb in a crowded restaurant. Many of the victims are burnt alive. ALL-IRELAND FOOTBALL FINAL: Dublin v Kerry. Eoin Liston gets a hat-trick as Kerry win by 5-11 to 0-9. In the hurling, Cork beat Kilkenny 1-15 to 2-8. It is Cork's third All-Ireland title in a row. CARNSORE POINT Co. Wexford: As the government advances plans to build an atomic power station, Ireland prepares to join Europe's 'nuclear family'. Supporters of nuclear power say it is a long-term alternative to oil. The Carnsore plan meets widespread opposition. Anti-nuclear campaigners gather at Carnsore in August. 5,000 people attend the protest festival. The government eventually drops the Carnsore proposal. County Cork is the focus for another environmental debate. An asbestos plant in Ovens causes conflict and controversy. The dumping of asbestos in nearby Ringaskiddy provokes angry protests. Ireland has over twenty 'pirate' radio stations in 1978. Demand grows for the legalisation of independent radio and for a new pop music channel on RTE. Ireland's young listeners continue to support the pirates. Meanwhile, RTE opens a second TV channel this year. RTE 2 starts on 2 November. The line-up of stars includes Terry Wogan, Val Doonican, Gemma Craven and Maureen Potter, Ronnie Barker and Liberace. Playlist: The Jacksons - Blame It On The Boogie U2 (previously The Hype) - Street Mission Genesis - Follow Me Boney M - Rivers Of Babylon The Boomtown Rats - Rat Trap Blue Oyster Cult - Don't Fear The Reaper Chic - Le Freak Gloria - One Day At A Time The Undertones - Teenage Kicks Yvonne Elliman - If I Can't Have You