Episode 9: The Troubles 1969, the forgotten plight of Catholic Refugees. What began as an act of altruism and solidarity soon morphed into a divisive and bitter episode in modern Irish history. Dr Brian Hanley explains.
In 1969 the escalation of violence in Northern Ireland precipitated a flood of Catholic refugees into the Republic. Initially there was enormous goodwill and solidarity with the plight of these refugees. But within 5 years the mood in the Republic had morphed into bitterness and distain within even the highest levels of government. Author of the book: The Impact of the Troubles on the Republic 1968 – 1979, Dr Brian Hanley explains how it came about.