A Nation of Extremes: The Pioneers in Twentieth Century Ireland

The book delves into the complex relationship between the Irish and alcohol, focusing on the Pioneer Total Abstinence of the Sacred Heart, founded in 1898 to promote sobriety. By the mid-1950s, the organization boasted nearly half a million members, symbolized by a distinctive pin. Despite this, the stereotype of heavy drinking persisted, highlighting a cultural clash between abstinence and alcohol consumption. Utilizing unpublished sources, the author examines the temperance movement's role within broader Irish society, revealing the nuances of these opposing cultures.