Trinity Tales: Trinity College Dublin in the Seventies Launched

Nov 09, 2011

The latest edition of the Trinity Tales series, which recollects the College in the seventies, was launched recently by Provost, Dr Patrick Prendergast, at a special event in Trinity College’s Long Room.  Over 120 graduates from the decade joined staff, students and friends of the College to reminisce about their time at Trinity College Dublin during a decade of social and political upheaval.  All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Library fund.

Speaking at the launch, Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast said: “This publication has done us such a service in capturing first the mood of the sixties, and now of the seventies. The presiding geniuses of this volume are Kader Asmal and Bill Graham, so politics and rock n’ roll are the order of the day.”

Provost Dr Patrick Prendergast, Editor Kathy Gilfillan and College Librarian Robin Adams. 

Trinity Tales: Trinity College Dublin in the Seventies captures the essence of a changing Ireland through the memories and experiences of those who were there.  Contributors include U2 manager Paul McGuinness, director of the Gate Theatre Michael Colgan, novelist James Ryan, writer Robert O’Byrne, High Court judge Fidelma Macken, publisher Antony Farrell, Dillie Keane of Fascinating Aïda, Mary Harney, Liz O’Donnell and others.  Their stories of student life in the seventies at Trinity College Dublin paint a picture of a changing Ireland.  At the start of the decade, the ban imposed by the Catholic hierarchy on attending Trinity College was lifted.  Together, Irish nationals and expats created an interesting fusion of sensibilities, styles and philosophies.  The horrors of Bloody Sunday and the Dublin bombings injected the student body with a shared sense of purpose with stories of protests and marches echoing throughout the histories.

Commenting on the benefit to the Library, Trinity College Dublin Librarian and College Archivist Robin Adams said: “We are delighted the contributors and editorial team are donating the proceeds of the book towards the work of the Old Library in both preserving the rich collections of research material and enabling greater access by digitisation of collections.”

Editor of the book, Kathy Gilfillan concluded: “This is reeling in the years for Trinity College Dublin.  Many contributors to the book are now in charge and running things.”

Trinity Tales: Trinity College Dublin in the Seventies is now available to buy online from the Library shop.