Pope's visit to Ireland

At a time when our country is racked by unemployment, public v private sector feuds, Lisbon yes v no battles, widespread social disaffection and despair, etc - think back to the simple days of the late 1970's.

Thirty years ago today we were uplifted by the arrival of Pope John Paul II - a million people in the Park, religion before the fall, money for a pint and sure what else really mattered. Not sure which of us were there but I do recall going from Blinkers to Milo's for cards and then on to UCD for the buses into the Park.

Life seemed so much simpler then. Yes I would go back, watch for the Celtic Tiger and shoot it while it was still a cub. Right between the eyes.