Description

The Way We Were: Catholic Ireland Since 1922 is a hybrid work of history, memoir, and social commentary by Irish journalist and former women’s rights activist Mary Kenny. Published by Columba Books, it traces the evolution of Irish society from the founding of the Free State through to the early 21st century, focusing on the dominant influence of Catholicism on politics, culture, education, and everyday life.

The book is structured in two broad strands. The first surveys major historical developments in Ireland since 1922, including the shaping of the new state, the embedding of Catholic social teaching in public life, and the gradual shift toward secularisation in the late twentieth century. Kenny reflects on how religious and political institutions intertwined, influencing legislation, social norms, and national identity.

The second strand is more personal and biographical, presenting portraits of individuals who illustrate the changing character of Irish society. These include politicians, cultural figures, journalists, and activists whose lives reflect Ireland’s shifting moral and social landscape. Kenny integrates anecdotal material from her own career in journalism and activism, offering a subjective but vivid perspective on events such as the women’s liberation movement and wider cultural change.

Rather than presenting a strictly academic history, the book blends analysis with recollection, aiming to capture the lived experience of “Catholic Ireland” across a century of transformation. It engages with debates around morality, institutional authority, gender roles, and the legacy of the Church in shaping Irish public life.