Political Engagement and Historical Events

The speaker recounts their educational journey, starting with failing the 11 plus exam and attending grammar school. They describe a political awakening in 1964, influenced by events involving Ian Pasley and the removal of the Irish tricolor. This led to a deeper interest in Irish history, particularly the 1916 rising. The speaker's growing political awareness culminated in becoming an Irish Republican and joining the Civil Rights Association.

What exam did the narrator initially fail before attending grammar school?

• A-levels

• GCSE

• 11 plus

• SAT

What was the narrator's initial career aspiration before getting involved in politics?

• Doctor

• Lawyer

• Teacher

• Engineer

Who threatened to remove the Irish tricolor flag in 1964?

• Eamon de Valera

• Gerry Adams

• Ian Pasley

• Michael Collins

What was the reaction of the authorities to the threat against the national flag?

• They reinforced security

• They ignored it

• They held a meeting

• They took it down

What did the narrator witness that sparked his interest in politics?

• A school protest

• A historical documentary

• Street violence

• A political debate

What event in 1966 marked the 50th anniversary of a significant historical event?

• Anglo-Irish Treaty

• Good Friday Agreement

• Battle of the Boyne

• Easter Rising

What activities were part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 1916 rising?

• Parades and fireworks

• Pageants and dramatic presentations

• Concerts and exhibitions

• Sports events and fairs

What political ideology did the narrator adopt after reading about Irish history?

• Socialism

• Irish Republicanism

• Loyalism

• Unionism

Which organization did the narrator join after becoming politically active?

• Labour Party

• Fine Gael

• Sinn Féin

• Fianna Fáil

What significant step did the narrator take in his political journey after dropping out of school?

• Moved abroad

• Founded the Civil Rights Association

• Joined the army

• Became a teacher