‘The very one. And it was started here – the organizers had their very first meeting in Bewley’s. I must give you their manifesto: Chains or Change.’ She took a gulp of tea and continued, ‘You want to know what infuriated me so much I had to get off my arse and join them? I went to sign up for a library card and they told me they couldn’t give me one without my husband’s signature on the form as a guarantor. Imagine!’ She shook her head indignantly. ‘The number of women I’ve met who’ve had to give up their jobs because they got married. The differences in the salaries women are being paid, compared to men. Don’t get me going, Imelda.’

‘Sure, we’ve always been looked upon as second-class citizens,’ Imelda shrugged.

‘I don’t know about you but I’ve had enough. I want equal rights, equal opportunities, the end of the marriage bar, the right to contraception. Guess what,’ Teresa said gleefully, leaning conspiratorially across the table and lowering her voice. ‘We’re planning a trip up the North to buy contraceptives and import them back into the Republic. It will be breaking the law, and we could be arrested, and we’ll be on the news, but you know what? The Church and State can go stuff themselves, because Irish women are finally putting their foot down. Why don’t you come with us?’ Teresa urged. ‘We’ll have a day out and a bit of craic.’

‘Oh, I don’t know,’ Imelda demurred. This was radical stuff. ‘It’s all right for you. You live in Dublin, it’s far more liberal here. Could you imagine what they’d say in Ardcloch and Glencarraig if I was seen on the news buying French letters? The Church would organize a picket on the shop, Teresa. You know that. All them craw thumpers would be out. I’d probably be refused communion. I don’t think I’m brave enough to bring all that down on the family.’

‘I suppose you’re right. It is much easier to do this kind of thing here in Dublin, without every nosey Norah knowing your business. Pity though,’ Teresa agreed.

‘Not that there aren’t like-minded women of our age at home. Perhaps I could set up a little group and you could forward me the literature, and we could take the odd trip up to Dublin to go to the meetings,’ Imelda said slowly.

‘Now you’re talking,’ Teresa grinned. ‘That’s the Imelda I know.’

‘Dublin’s changed you. You were always so easy-going,’ Imelda observed.