It was once an independent township, complete with Town Hall, and boasted a thriving hosiery industry, teacher training college, in addition to numerous schools, churches of all denominations, convents, hospitals, orphanages, and local shops.

The spacious houses and villas catered for the professional classes who commuted to Dublin city centre by train and tram. Blackrock never fully achieved the status of a seaside resort, but still boasted outdoor swimming baths, and the banks of the railway track afforded sunbathing perches for our pale-faced city dwellers.

And, of course, there was always rugby. Nowadays, Blackrock is a bustling and vibrant suburb with every modern amenity and, in this book, author Joe Curtis explores the rich history that has shaped it over time.